Still, there has been reported pushback and uncertainty from some European officials.

Matthias Luttenberg, the German ambassador to Canada, acknowledged there are worries about the potential new “associate” member label.

“If you come up with a new concept in the European Union, and you propose something, be it the Commission or somebody else, then of course it takes some time to reflect for all 27 member states,” Luttenberg told CTV on Tuesday, admitting “we have been a little surprised by the announcement, which doesn’t mean that we cannot agree on it.” 

Paula Pinho, the European Commission’s chief spokesperson, told TIME Friday that "following the discussions at the summit this week, we will continue to work with the European Parliament, member states, and the Canadians to achieve our common objectives."

She added: "We have worked intensely with all our Member States on this and the basis for associate membership is clear in the summit text. We regret that we did not yet have complete unity from member states on the initial wording but we have a strong basis agreed and we are now working to flesh out the details of what this ambition looks like and how it will work.”