EU opens door for Canada to become first associate member
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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday the EU wants to open the door for Canada to become the first associate member of the 27-nation bloc. Speaking in her annual State of the European Union address in Strasbourg, France, she said the bloc aims to bring relations with Canada to the highest level possible. The proposal comes as Canada is locked in a trade war with the United States and has pledged to match President Donald Trump's tariffs dollar for dollar.
Key Facts
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement during her annual State of the European Union address in Strasbourg, France, on September 16, 2026.
- Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the address and has previously said Ottawa seeks a 'unique security and economic alliance' with Europe, not full membership.
- Bilateral goods trade between the EU and Canada rose 75% in less than 10 years under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), von der Leyen said.
- The EU currently has no official associate member status; in May, Germany proposed it for Ukraine as an interim step, but the initiative lacked support.
- Carney is scheduled to address European officials in Strasbourg on September 17.
The Proposal
Von der Leyen said the EU wants to bring the relationship with Canada 'to the highest level possible' and work on opening the door for Canada to become the first associate member. She addressed Carney directly, saying, 'I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to being the first associate member of the European Union.' The announcement was met with applause in the European Parliament, according to Inbusiness.kz. Von der Leyen stressed that such a partnership is aimed at strengthening both sides.
Canada-EU Relations
Von der Leyen noted strong cultural, historical, and human ties between Europe and Canada. She said bilateral goods trade increased 75% in less than 10 years under CETA, demonstrating the power of trade agreements. Europe and Canada share similar approaches on artificial intelligence, climate change, the Arctic, and geopolitical issues, and cooperate on Ukraine, defense, critical raw materials, and supply chains, she said. Von der Leyen said the EU and Canada will move from CETA to a future-oriented alliance, creating a common area of prosperity and economic security.
Trade War Context
Canada is currently locked in a bitter trade war with the United States and has pledged to match President Donald Trump's tariffs dollar for dollar. The idea of closer cooperation with Canada gained additional attention amid the trade conflict with the US, Inbusiness.kz reported. Carney has previously said Canada is considering a 'unique alliance' with the EU but does not plan to become a full member.
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