Five EU diplomats involved in negotiations report that the Canadian prime minister’s charm offensive to win over member governments was unsuccessful. The European Union rejected Mark Carney's description of a 'unique alliance' with the bloc, as member states remained wary of granting Ottawa preferential trade access.

Discussions between Carney and European leaders included a proposal to create a new 'associate member' status for Canada to secure special terms. These talks sought to establish a framework for closer economic ties, but the EU pushback signals a lack of appetite for the proposed shift in Canada's relationship with the trade bloc.