OMM Redaksiyası
Governments in some European countries are skeptical of the idea of creating a unique alliance between the European Union and Canada.
"Operative Information Center-OMM" reports, citing the "Financial Times".
Several European countries have adopted a cautious position regarding the feasibility and terms of such cooperation, the report said.
It noted that 10 European countries, including France and Italy, have yet to ratify the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) signed between the EU and Canada.
The newspaper emphasized that Canada would therefore need to demonstrate a degree of realism in its relations with the EU and should not expect special terms for itself.
Earlier, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his country would not seek membership in the European Union but intended to begin talks on establishing a unique alliance with the bloc.
Politico reported that closer ties are developing between the EU and Canada as Ottawa seeks allies beyond North America amid a trade war with the United States. Brussels is seeking to bring Ottawa closer to its economic model and security system.
"We love Canadians, but everyone assesses the opportunities and limitations realistically. The slogan ‘everything but membership’ sounds good, but the idea itself does not appear sufficiently developed," a European diplomat said on condition of anonymity.
Another European official urged caution regarding possible Canadian access to EU markets.
Another EU representative said that some countries, including the Baltic states, were concerned about US President Donald Trump’s reaction to closer ties between Brussels and Ottawa.
CETA, which provisionally entered into force in 2017, is designed to remove most tariffs and facilitate trade and investment between Canada and the EU. Its full implementation requires ratification by all EU member states.
