Cllr. Eoin O’Driscoll welcomes EU associate membership invitation to Canada
17 September 2026
Fine Gael Councillor Eoin O’Driscoll has welcomed the European Commission’s invitation to Canada to become the EU’s first associate member and called on Ireland to use its EU Presidency to champion free trade with like-minded democracies.
“This is a hugely welcome development. Canada and Europe are natural partners — we share democratic values, a commitment to the rule of law and a belief in open economies.
“Ireland is a small country. Our prosperity depends on our ability to trade with the world. When other countries are putting up barriers, our response should be to build more relationships, not fewer.
“Our Presidency of the EU Council gives us a real opportunity to use Ireland’s position as a trusted bridge between Canada and the EU. The tenth anniversary of CETA this October is the perfect moment to make the case for an even more ambitious relationship — and Ireland should be one of the strongest voices doing so.”
ENDS
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