FT: the EU is skeptical of Canada’s proposal to create an alliance

The European Union is skeptical of Canada’s proposal to create a “unique alliance” independent of the United States and China. This is reported by the Financial Times (FT) with reference to sources.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is on a visit to the UK and France from 15 to 17 September. He urged Europe to deepen its economic union with Canada. The country does not plan to become a full member of the EU, Mr. Carney noted. Politico’s sources clarified that one of several options under consideration is associate membership. However, Brussels is wary of giving Ottawa preferential access to the market, five EU diplomats involved in the talks told the newspaper.

“We love Canadians, but everyone really appreciates opportunities and limitations. The slogan “Everything except membership” sounds good, but the idea itself didn’t seem well developed, one diplomat said.

Instead, the EU proposed to focus on a better implementation of the agreements already signed, said the interlocutors of the FT. According to them, 10 EU countries, including France and Italy, have not yet ratified the free trade agreement between Canada and the EU. It was signed in 2017. One diplomat noted the concerns of EU members about how US President Donald Trump will react to such an alliance. Countries dependent on NATO protection, such as the Baltic states, are particularly concerned.