OMM Newsroom
Some European governments 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 are taking a cautious position on the prospects and terms of such cooperation.
Ten 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 said this meant Canada should take a realistic approach to its relations with the EU and not expect special terms.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier said his country would not seek EU membership but intended to start talks on establishing a unique alliance with the bloc.
Politico has reported that Canada and the EU are drawing closer 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 is realistic about the opportunities and limitations. ‘Everything but membership’ sounds good, but the idea itself does not seem sufficiently developed,” a European diplomat said on condition of anonymity.
Another European official urged caution over Canada’s possible access to EU markets.
Another EU representative said some countries, including Baltic states, were concerned about how U.S. President Donald Trump might react to closer ties between Brussels and Ottawa.
