Canada and the EU have agreed a strategic alliance, but have postponed the relationship until 2027

Canadaand the European Union(EU) have decided onFridayto create an "Alliance for the Future" that will deepen economic, technological, and strategic cooperation , but delay the formal definitionofthe new political relationship until 2027 to avoid using the controversial concept of "associate member" for the time being.

Accordingto the joint declaration adopted at the end of the bilateral summit in Montreal, both sides will be working, prior to the forthcoming Canada-EU summit, scheduled for 2027 in Europe, todefine the scope of an "ever closer partnership," but it expressly specifies that it will not imply full adherence to the EU bloc.

The 46-point document indicates that the new alliance aims to create "a common space for economic prosperity and security"and responds to an international scenario marked by geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation, climate change and increasing competition in energy, raw materials and strategic technologies.

Canada and the EU have concluded negotiations on key aspects of a digital trade agreement that will form part of the Global Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and will also conclude a new partnership agreement between competition authorities.

Ottawa and the European Investment Bank have also concluded negotiations for aEuropean investment agreement on strategic resources in Canada, particularly critical minerals, while Canada will participate in the EuroHPC European supercomputing initiative .

Canada's Increased Participation

The alliance also opens the door to Canada 's increased participation in European programmes. Both sides will begin negotiations to allow Canada access to certain services of the Galileo satellite navigation system and explore cooperation with the European constellation IRIS2. They will also explore the possibility of establishing new submarine cable connections between Canada, Europe and Asia.

In the field ofenergy, Canada and the EU will conduct a joint study on the long-term viability of liquefied natural gasexports in Canada and work to strengthen critical mineral supply chains , including the possibility of establishing strategic reserves.

The statement also provides for facilitating the mobility of students and workers through greater Canadian participation in the Erasmus + programme and the negotiation of a specific future agreement for young people.

In international policy, Canada and the EUreiterate theirsupport for Ukraine, pledge to increase pressure on Russia, and defend a rule-based international order, while regretting US sanctions against the International Criminal Court.

The declaration states that greater economic, technological and strategic coordination will enable both sides to strengthen "prosperity, economic security and strategic autonomy."