The European Union member states abandoned the proposal to grant Canada the status of "partner member" in the 27-nation bloc, replacing it with a commitment to strengthen ties ahead of the EU-Canada summit in Montreal. Politico reported that Germany, France, Italy and Greece were among the countries that opposed including the proposal for partner status in the joint statement, even though European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the idea. in September.

The European Union member states abandoned the proposal to grant Canada the status of "partner member" in the 27-nation bloc, replacing it with a commitment to strengthen ties ahead of the EU-Canada summit in Montreal. Politico reported that Germany, France, Italy and Greece were among the countries that opposed including the proposal for partner status in the joint statement, even though European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the idea. in September.