Canada Joins European Defence Pact
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Canada announced it had joined a European defence pact, signaling military rapprochement with Europe after recent economic ties strengthened, Ottawa said.
by Jill Rutter
it may be... if the EU spends a lot of time working out what the new Canada relationship means.. (hence questionmark..)
September 17, 2026 at 8:15 PM
it may be... if the EU spends a lot of time working out what the new Canada relationship means.. (hence questionmark..)
by Steve Peers
The Canadian relationship with the EU explicitly includes defence issues.
September 17, 2026 at 1:18 PM
The Canadian relationship with the EU explicitly includes defence issues.
Remember: Canada spoke out in favour of its European allies over Greenland, while the EU, incl von der Leyen yesterday, has remained quiet over Trump's threat against Canada. Offering associate membership as a geopolitical move requires taking sides.
September 17, 2026 at 7:14 AM
Remember: Canada spoke out in favour of its European allies over Greenland, while the EU, incl von der Leyen yesterday, has remained quiet over Trump's threat against Canada. Offering associate membership as a geopolitical move requires taking sides.
Reposted by Anand Menon, Iikka Korhonen, Steven H. Seggie
It may be a shock to some on here, but team UvL have actually thought through potential paths to a different EU-Canada relationship and the reaction from member states is the start of the usual Brussels policy wrangling process.
The bigger issue is this EU routine takes time Ottawa might not have
The bigger issue is this EU routine takes time Ottawa might not have
September 17, 2026 at 7:48 AM
It may be a shock to some on here, but team UvL have actually thought through potential paths to a different EU-Canada relationship and the reaction from member states is the start of the usual Brussels policy wrangling process.
The bigger issue is this EU routine takes time Ottawa might not have
The bigger issue is this EU routine takes time Ottawa might not have
'“We cannot decide on something that does not exist,” quipped one diplomat. A second said the idea would probably “die” in negotiations with member states. “It’s classic [von der Leyen],” noted a third. “Promise first, get approval later.”'
www.ft.com/content/7b1a...
www.ft.com/content/7b1a...
Why Mark Carney’s romance with Europe can only go so far
Berlin opposes fast track to EU ‘associate membership’ for Canada, with officials warning Ottawa risks angering other partners
www.ft.com
September 17, 2026 at 7:39 AM
'“We cannot decide on something that does not exist,” quipped one diplomat. A second said the idea would probably “die” in negotiations with member states. “It’s classic [von der Leyen],” noted a third. “Promise first, get approval later.”'
www.ft.com/content/7b1a...
www.ft.com/content/7b1a...
by Simon Lester
"He wants Canada to join the Erasmus Plus student exchange scheme, deepen its involvement in the next stage of Horizon Europe, a research programme, and negotiate a deal to allow young people to work in each other’s countries."
EU alliance to make Canada ‘better partner for the US’, says Carney ft.trib.al/5tDCAoY
EU alliance to make Canada ‘better partner for the US’, says Carney
Canadian prime minister defends his bid to become EU’s first ‘associate member’ after threats from Donald Trump
ft.trib.al
September 17, 2026 at 11:34 AM
"He wants Canada to join the Erasmus Plus student exchange scheme, deepen its involvement in the next stage of Horizon Europe, a research programme, and negotiate a deal to allow young people to work in each other’s countries."
As my colleague Johannes Thimm and I argued yesterday - written admittedly before the Associate Membership proposal - if the EU was serious, it will eventually have to face the question of not only offering diversification, but also mutual support to Canada:
Canada’s Offer to Europe: More Than Just a Trading Partner
In its trade conflict with the United States, Canada is seeking a closer partnership with the European Union. Europeans should be prepared to...
www.swp-berlin.org
September 17, 2026 at 7:14 AM
As my colleague Johannes Thimm and I argued yesterday - written admittedly before the Associate Membership proposal - if the EU was serious, it will eventually have to face the question of not only offering diversification, but also mutual support to Canada:
by Adele Perry
What does Canada’s potential “special relationship” with the EU mean for our reckoning with the ongoing colonial process that created & maintains Canada?
September 17, 2026 at 2:05 PM
What does Canada’s potential “special relationship” with the EU mean for our reckoning with the ongoing colonial process that created & maintains Canada?
by Holger Hestermeyer Reposted by Jill Rutter
Speculating about Canada and the EU:
- membership is currently not possible, the treaty limits membership to European countries
- associate membership so far does not exist, so we don't know what it is
- what comes to mind is an EFTA/Swiss status, but that would require Canada to follow EU rules /1
- membership is currently not possible, the treaty limits membership to European countries
- associate membership so far does not exist, so we don't know what it is
- what comes to mind is an EFTA/Swiss status, but that would require Canada to follow EU rules /1
September 17, 2026 at 7:04 AM
Speculating about Canada and the EU:
- membership is currently not possible, the treaty limits membership to European countries
- associate membership so far does not exist, so we don't know what it is
- what comes to mind is an EFTA/Swiss status, but that would require Canada to follow EU rules /1
- membership is currently not possible, the treaty limits membership to European countries
- associate membership so far does not exist, so we don't know what it is
- what comes to mind is an EFTA/Swiss status, but that would require Canada to follow EU rules /1
by Jonas Nahm Reposted by Andrew Watt, Simon Lester
1/ Von der Leyen just offered Canada "associate membership" in the EU in her State of the Union address. Carney was in the chamber. Standing ovation. Perhaps the clearest sign yet that some countries are actively trying to build a new architecture for global trade.
September 16, 2026 at 11:20 PM
1/ Von der Leyen just offered Canada "associate membership" in the EU in her State of the Union address. Carney was in the chamber. Standing ovation. Perhaps the clearest sign yet that some countries are actively trying to build a new architecture for global trade.
www.rcinet.ca/eye-on-the-a... An important week in Canadian diplomacy! Commented for this story by CBC News - Eye on the Arctic about how potential Canadian associate membership in the EU could enhance Arctic cooperation. 🇨🇦🇪🇺@uitnorgesarktiske.bsky.social
Arctic would be "flagship project" in proposed EU-Canada partnership, von der Leyen says
The Arctic would become a centrepiece of a proposed new partnership between Canada and the European Union, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday.
“We will make the Arct...
www.rcinet.ca
September 17, 2026 at 5:06 AM
www.rcinet.ca/eye-on-the-a... An important week in Canadian diplomacy! Commented for this story by CBC News - Eye on the Arctic about how potential Canadian associate membership in the EU could enhance Arctic cooperation. 🇨🇦🇪🇺@uitnorgesarktiske.bsky.social
Reposted by Nicolai von Ondarza
[Commentary] #GlobalEurope: #Canada’s offer to #Europe: More than just a trading partner, by Johannes Thimm & @nvondarza.bsky.social | @swp-berlin.org @swp-europe.bsky.social
www.pubaffairsbruxelles.eu/opinion-anal...
www.pubaffairsbruxelles.eu/opinion-anal...
Canada’s offer to Europe: More than just a trading partner - PubAffairs Bruxelles
In its trade conflict with the United States, Canada is seeking a closer partnership with the European Union. Europeans should be prepared to take a clear position, argue Johannes Thimm and Nicolai vo...
www.pubaffairsbruxelles.eu
September 17, 2026 at 11:39 AM
[Commentary] #GlobalEurope: #Canada’s offer to #Europe: More than just a trading partner, by Johannes Thimm & @nvondarza.bsky.social | @swp-berlin.org @swp-europe.bsky.social
www.pubaffairsbruxelles.eu/opinion-anal...
www.pubaffairsbruxelles.eu/opinion-anal...
by Mark Hibbs
That's fine, but as you know and Von der Leyen must also know, there is no such thing as "associate membership" in the EU Treaty. Under Article 49, Canada would not be considered a European state. NATO handles most Euro-defense issues; the EU has non-NATO members.
L’UE et le Canada ne veulent pas «dominer les autres», assure Carney. → https://l.lefigaro.fr/DD7o
September 17, 2026 at 11:46 AM
That's fine, but as you know and Von der Leyen must also know, there is no such thing as "associate membership" in the EU Treaty. Under Article 49, Canada would not be considered a European state. NATO handles most Euro-defense issues; the EU has non-NATO members.
Reposted by Peter Cook
We know with certainty that Brexit was a disaster, and now while Canada negotiates associate membership with the EU, Britain is stuck on the sidelines of its own continent.
Hopefully this will be the moment our government stops dragging its feet and finally rethinks our relationship with Europe.2/2
Hopefully this will be the moment our government stops dragging its feet and finally rethinks our relationship with Europe.2/2
September 17, 2026 at 5:42 PM
We know with certainty that Brexit was a disaster, and now while Canada negotiates associate membership with the EU, Britain is stuck on the sidelines of its own continent.
Hopefully this will be the moment our government stops dragging its feet and finally rethinks our relationship with Europe.2/2
Hopefully this will be the moment our government stops dragging its feet and finally rethinks our relationship with Europe.2/2
On verra ce que ça donne fin octobre avec la promesse de propositions concrètes mais un rapprochement Canada-UE n'a rien d'évident sur le plan économique
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/16/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/16/w...
E.U.-Canada Ambitions Face Reality Check as Trump Bristles
The bloc’s offer of “associate member” status to Ottawa shows how U.S. allies are pulling closer together. But their plans face significant obstacles.
www.nytimes.com
September 17, 2026 at 6:19 AM
On verra ce que ça donne fin octobre avec la promesse de propositions concrètes mais un rapprochement Canada-UE n'a rien d'évident sur le plan économique
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/16/w...
www.nytimes.com/2026/09/16/w...
Reposted by Simon Lester
EU alliance to make Canada ‘better partner for the US’, says Carney ft.trib.al/5tDCAoY
EU alliance to make Canada ‘better partner for the US’, says Carney
Canadian prime minister defends his bid to become EU’s first ‘associate member’ after threats from Donald Trump
ft.trib.al
September 17, 2026 at 11:21 AM
EU alliance to make Canada ‘better partner for the US’, says Carney ft.trib.al/5tDCAoY
Canada PM Carney suggests Canada should join Erasmus+ student exchange scheme and Horizon research programme
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
Canada in talks to join EU's Erasmus+ exchanges programme
Canada is in early talks to join Erasmus+ and possibly Horizon Europe, as Ottawa and Brussels weigh an unprecedented "associate membership" of the EU short of full accession. #EuropeNews
www.euronews.com
September 17, 2026 at 10:35 AM
Canada PM Carney suggests Canada should join Erasmus+ student exchange scheme and Horizon research programme
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
www.theguardian.com/world/live/2...
by Ian Cooper
As we await Mark Carney's speech to the European Parliament, here is my analysis of the proposal to make Canada an 'Associate Member' of the EU
Why are the EU and Canada getting so friendly all of a sudden? The unfolding diplomatic choreography between the pair includes associate membership, trade talks, summits and even the Eurovision, explains @iancooper.bsky.social @dublincityuni.bsky.social www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
Why are the EU and Canada getting so friendly all of a sudden?
The unfolding diplomatic choreography between Canada and Europe includes associate membership, trade talks, summits and the Eurovision
www.rte.ie
September 17, 2026 at 8:49 AM
As we await Mark Carney's speech to the European Parliament, here is my analysis of the proposal to make Canada an 'Associate Member' of the EU
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
Andcread the last paragraph. Good one.
Andcread the last paragraph. Good one.
Carney hails EU-Canada alliance but draws lines on membership
Canada's PM Carney welcomed the invitation to become the first "associate member" of the European Union, but emphasised that the intent is not to become a full member nor to cede sovereignty. #EuropeN...
www.euronews.com
September 17, 2026 at 12:33 PM
www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...
Andcread the last paragraph. Good one.
Andcread the last paragraph. Good one.
Reposted by Ian Cooper
Why are the EU and Canada getting so friendly all of a sudden? The unfolding diplomatic choreography between the pair includes associate membership, trade talks, summits and even the Eurovision, explains @iancooper.bsky.social @dublincityuni.bsky.social www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...
Why are the EU and Canada getting so friendly all of a sudden?
The unfolding diplomatic choreography between Canada and Europe includes associate membership, trade talks, summits and the Eurovision
www.rte.ie
September 17, 2026 at 8:31 AM
Why are the EU and Canada getting so friendly all of a sudden? The unfolding diplomatic choreography between the pair includes associate membership, trade talks, summits and even the Eurovision, explains @iancooper.bsky.social @dublincityuni.bsky.social www.rte.ie/brainstorm/2...