Canada and European Union open summit in Montreal to boost ties

Canada and the European Union opened a two-day summit in Montreal on October 29, 2026, aimed at strengthening cooperation on trade, defence, economic security, energy, and artificial intelligence. Nation Path reported that the talks come as Canada attempts to diversify its international economic partnerships during trade tensions with the United States. [1]

Discussions at the meeting are focusing on critical minerals, research, and energy. According to Al Jazeera, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other European leaders objected to a proposal in a draft joint statement that described Canada as an associate member of the European Union. Media outlets including Reuters and the German news agency dpa reported that references to associate membership were subsequently removed from the draft statement. [1][2]

Nation Path reported that the modified draft declaration points towards an ever closer association between Canada and the European Union instead. Officials plan to release the finalized joint statement publicly on Friday. [1][2]

Montreal is one of the three largest metropolitan areas in Canada, which is the second largest country in the world by total area. Final formal outcomes from the summit are still to be confirmed by delegates. [1][11]