Carney, Von der Leyen Agree to Seek Associate Member Status at Montreal Summit

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $1.6 billion investment in the AI company Cohere on the first day of the Canada-European Union summit in Montreal. The announcement occurred as the two leaders moved to formalize a new partnership that both described using the term associate member. The two-day summit began Thursday after months of speculation regarding the structure of the new alliance.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Mark Carney both used the specific phrase when referring to the strengthened ties. Von der Leyen first introduced the label in a speech last month, where she invited Carney to expand the relationship. Some countries have pushed back on the term, while Canadian officials have previously labeled the partnership an alliance for the future. Carney has sought closer ties with global partners while Ottawa and Washington continue a trade war that has persisted throughout U.S. President Donald Trump’s term.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, stated the partnership is vital given the current geopolitical climate. She noted that some nations desire a world where power dictates what is taken, while most prefer a world based on rules. Kallas emphasized the need for the EU to collaborate with like-minded partners on shared goals, including AI, education, trade, and security. She added that the alliance is not against any specific country but exists for the benefit of the partners themselves.

Anand stressed that Canada aims to build its own national resilience. He stated that Canada will enter into partnerships where it can reach strategic autonomy, placing the EU at the forefront of that priority list. Both leaders agreed that the alliance is not solely a response to the effects of Trump’s tariff war on Canada. Kallas reiterated that the relationship is about the partners themselves rather than any other nation.

The summit agenda includes work on AI laws, where the leaders noted the building blocks of AI were created in Canada by figures such as Geoffrey Hinton. A digital trade agreement is expected to be approved on Friday according to the European Council President. The talks also cover culture cooperation and work, study, and research exchanges. Von der Leyen referenced Jean Monnet, a forefather of the present-day EU, noting his time in Canada helped change the course of European history.

Carney avoided providing details on U.S. trade talks during the event. He suggested that the U.S. will eventually see the benefit of the new arrangements. The U.S. has been described as not behaving like an ally in recent interactions. Carney also commented on the absence of the Quebec premier from the summit. He wrote on X that diplomacy requires building relationships and seizing opportunities to defend interests, rather than sulking because one does not have a microphone. The summit continues with a business roundtable and discussions on greener economies.