What could EU associate member status mean for Canada?

According to CBC News, a joint statement expected at the 21st Canada-EU summit in Montreal on Friday will instead use softer language promising closer ties, according to the latest draft seen by CBC News.[1] CBC reports that the draft now calls for an "ever closer association."[1]The Globe and Mail reports that two sources said the EU dropped the label after objections from major players, including Germany and France[2]. The sources told the paper that those states felt it would be a confusing term for a country that has no intention of becoming a member.[2] One source told CBC that Germany called it a red line.[1]Euronews reports that the status doesn't exist in the EU treaties, so its legal and institutional shape remains unclear.[3] Verfassungsblog writes that Canada's arrangement would most plausibly occupy an orbit between CETA and the EEA[4].According to Forbes, the wider alliance under discussion covers trade, defense, critical minerals, energy, artificial intelligence, research, space, digital infrastructure and financial services.[5]Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters that "it doesn't matter about specific names or nomenclature."[1] The Globe and Mail reports that he said the summit would "launch further formal discussions, negotiations, over the course of the next year."[2]CBC reports that when Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Montreal, she continued to use the term "associate member."[1]