Canada the ‘most European country outside Europe': EU chief

Canada is the most European country outside Europe because what brings us together goes far beyond geography. We see the world through the same eyes. What matters nowadays is not where a country is on the map, but what it is ready to build with us and what it stands for. in a world of fierce geopolitical headwinds. These headwinds won't stop blowing. This change is permanent. And now it is time to act with confidence and with vision to build a new future. We both want to bring our relationship to the highest level possible. So at the summit, one of the main points we discussed was the idea of Canada becoming an associate member to the European Union. And our idea is simple. It is an association. Without accession, because the treaties are clear and do not allow it, a country outside Europe cannot join the European Union. But we can replace the term accession with a common ambition and vision. We can build a partnership that comes closer to membership than anything we have done before.