European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has endorsed exploring a new form of closer relationship that could make Canada the European Union’s first associate member.
Speaking in Strasbourg during her annual State of the Union address, von der Leyen said she wanted to work on “opening the door” to Canada. She said such an arrangement could deepen cooperation in key sectors, although she gave no details on what Canadian associate membership would involve.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the address and was expected to speak to the European Parliament the following day. Carney had said the previous week that Canada was seeking a “unique alliance” with the EU.
Closer cooperation under discussion
Von der Leyen said Europe and Canada shared views on issues including artificial intelligence, climate change and geopolitics. She also pointed to their cooperation on Ukraine, defence, raw materials and supply chains, and said both supported democracy.
She identified manufacturing, technology, AI, defence, energy, critical minerals and economic security as areas where the partnership could be expanded. The Commission president said the proposed relationship would not be directed against another country, but would strengthen shared interests as international rules face growing pressure.
Canada’s outreach comes amid strained relations with the United States. Trade negotiations between the two countries collapsed last month, followed by new tariff measures. The dispute has also been intensified by US President Donald Trump’s repeated comments about Canada becoming a “51st state”.
Questions over a new status
Associate membership is not currently an EU category, and any agreement to create such a status could take years. Earlier this year, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suggested that Ukraine might receive a similar status, drawing mixed reactions.
Some EU governments may prefer to expand existing trade and defence arrangements with Canada rather than establish a new membership model. Ten of the EU’s 27 member states have yet to ratify the free-trade agreement reached with Canada almost a decade ago.
Von der Leyen also proposed creating a European Security Council involving partners such as Canada, Norway, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, citing security risks facing the continent. The proposal is part of a broader set of EU priorities for the year ahead.
Source: BBC News
