This match has now been won by Trump and the skeptics, Canada will not be an associate member of the European Union.

The EU member states rejected Canada's associate membership proposal, opting instead for a broader goal of closer cooperation. The modified declaration emphasizes developing a concept for strengthening EU-Canada relations by the next summit. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other leaders initiated the removal of associate membership references due to concerns over its unclear implications and lack of prior consultation. The initiative aimed to enhance collaboration in energy, climate, technology, and security, amidst uncertainties in US-Canada relations. The focus now shifts to a new cooperation framework called the Future Alliance, which seeks to reduce trade barriers and ensure access to critical resources. The EU-Canada summit begins Thursday in Montreal, with the final declaration expected Friday.