European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed the potential for granting Canada an "associate member" status during the Canada-EU summit in Montreal. This proposal aims to create a deeper partnership in key sectors like artificial intelligence, climate, energy, and security. Due to a lack of consensus among EU member states regarding this specific title, the parties opted for a "closer partnership" framework while deferring further decisions until next year's summit. This move aligns with Canada's broader goal of diversifying its international relations and mitigating its reliance on the United States, especially following the imposition of American tariffs. This shift in Ottawa's diplomatic strategy could introduce new complexities into its ongoing trade relationship with Washington.