The EU invites Canada to become an "associate member"

By Paul Logothetis

Media Relations Advisor, uOttawa

Canada and EU flags
The European Union has invited Canada to become an “associate member” of the 27-nation bloc amid the ongoing trade war with the United States. How would Canada benefit from this status and how will it impact relations with the U.S.?

Members of the media may directly contact the following uOttawa academic experts:

Errol Mendes (English only)

Full Professor, Faculty of Law - Common Law Section.

[email protected]

Professor Mendes' expertise touches on the area of corporate law, global governance, international business law and ethics, and trade law. His work includes research on the law and structure and regulatory links with the EU by other states.

"The focus on building a long term “associate membership” with the EU on defense, infrastructure, critical and other key minerals, resources and energy, and in areas like AI and education with enhanced access for students, academics and professionals could prove to be a long-term benefit to Canada's economic, social and cultural areas without having to sacrifice any sovereignty or buying into huge bureaucracies. This could be a huge long term benefit to Canada."

Charles-Étienne Beaudry (English & French)

Professor, School of Political Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences.

[email protected]

Professor Beaudry’s research interests touch on Canadian and American politics and international political economy.

"Canada becoming the first associate member of the EU is a historical event. It means that "middle powers" are working on a coalition to resist the neo-imperialist behavior of some states in this early 21st century.On the economic side, it means that both EU and Canada are making sure to diversify their economies in a collaborative manner. The next decades will not only be crucial for the survival of democracy in the world but also for the success of the sustainable transition."

Geneviève Dufour (English and French)

Full Professor, Faculty of Law - Civil Law Section.

[email protected]

Professor Dufour's research focuses on issues related to free trade, as well as the interactions between trade, environmental law, and human rights.