The concept of an "associate member" is a new political framework that does not currently exist in EU treaties, which mandate that only geographically European states can apply for full membership.
But the EU wants Canada to join forces in an "Alliance for the Future" that expands cooperation well beyond standard trade agreements. This includes integrating defence industrial bases, securing critical raw materials and energy supplies, aligning on advanced technology (like artificial intelligence and quantum computing), and introducing shared mobility programs for young citizens to live and study across the Atlantic.
