Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expects to conclude negotiations with the European Union in June so that Canada can become the bloc’s first “associate member.” The initiative aims to reduce Canada’s and Europe’s dependence on Washington and strengthen their economic and security ties. The two sides also completed a digital trade agreement, concluded competition talks and signed a pact allowing the European Investment Bank to finance Canadian critical minerals projects. The joint declaration did not mention associate membership, however, as the leaders agreed to define an “ever-closer association” by their 2027 summit, while discussions continued on energy, telecommunications, education, defence and cybersecurity.
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