# EU-Canada Summit Prep: MEP Javier Moreno Sánchez on Associate Membership

> MEP Javier Moreno Sánchez says EU-Canada 'associate membership' label debate is unimportant for closer ties at upcoming summit.
- Title: EU-Canada Summit Prep: MEP Javier Moreno Sánchez on Associate…
- Summary: MEP Javier Moreno Sánchez says EU-Canada 'associate membership' label debate is unimportant for closer ties at upcoming summit. MEP Javier Moreno Sánchez…
- Keywords: canada, javier moreno sánchez, associate membership, montréal summit, digital trade agreement, critical raw materials, politics, world, EU-Canada, Summit, Prep, MEP
- Source: EUobserver — https://euobserver.com/245551/interview-i-dont-care-about-the-associate-membership-label-row-lead-mep-javier-moreno-sanchez-on-upcoming-eu-canada-summit
- Published: 2026-10-28T16:47:25+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: eu, canada, javier moreno sánchez, associate membership, montréal summit, digital trade agreement, critical raw materials, politics, world
## MEP Javier Moreno Sánchez on associate membership
MEP Javier Moreno Sánchez chairs the European Parliament’s Canada delegation.
## EU-Canada summit begins Thursday
The Montréal summit begins Thursday (29 October) with Canadian prime minister Mark Carney.
## Ursula von der Leyen’s associate membership announcement
EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen announced Canada’s possible associate membership in September.
## No legal basis needed for associate membership
MEP Javier Moreno Sánchez says Canada can be associate member without treaty changes.
## Canada’s current EU cooperation
Canada participates in Erasmus+ and SAFE programs with EU and cooperates on artificial intelligence.
## Digital trade agreement priority
MEP Javier Moreno Sánchez wants EU-Canada to prioritize digital trade agreement for consumers and businesses.
## Critical raw materials cooperation
MEP Javier Moreno Sánchez says Canada has critical raw materials to reduce dependence on China.
## Free movement between Canada and EU
MEP Javier Moreno Sánchez hopes for gradual free movement between Canada and EU.
## Key takeaway

MEP Javier Moreno Sánchez argues Canada should be EU associate member without legal formalities to strengthen cooperation on digital trade and critical materials.