The move is symbolic, but it reveals the first tangible results of closer ties between the European Union (EU) and Canada, following a two-day summit in Montréal on Thursday, October 29, and Friday, October 30.

Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister, notably announced an additional €500 million in funding for Ukraine. Support for Kyiv, for democracy, multilateralism and international trade based on respect for common rules are among the values at risk that Ottawa and the 27 member states aimed to defend by moving closer together. "The world is becoming more dangerous and divided," Carney emphasized. "Our societies are being shaken by new storms: the upheavals caused by climate change, the erosion of democratic norms, and the weaponization of trade."

During this 21st summit, the two partners designed what they described as a two-stage rocket they intend to launch rapidly. The first stage is about strengthening ties between Ottawa and the EU, even to the point of making Canada an "associate member," as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen repeatedly stated, insisting on this strong phrase. The second stage will be the "Alliance for the Future," open to other countries sharing the same values, aiming for economic security, combating global warming, and ensuring sound governance of artificial intelligence (AI).

"There could be different configurations with different countries depending on the issues," explained António Costa, president of the European Council. "At a time when the international rules-based order is under pressure, we share the responsibility to defend it," he added.