EU chief von der Leyen proposes ‘associate member’ status for Canada | European Union News
Canada Eyes Closer Ties with EU Amid Global Tensions
Published: September 16, 2026
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed that Canada could become the first “associate member” of the European Union, a significant overture as both region and nation seek to strengthen their relationship amid challenges from the United States under President Donald Trump.
The suggestion follows remarks made earlier this week by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who stated that Canada is pursuing a “unique alliance” with the EU, though not full membership.
During a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, von der Leyen emphasized the need for democracies to unite in the face of a “fracture in the international rules-based system.” She expressed her desire to collaborate with Canada towards the goal of establishing this new association.
“I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU,” von der Leyen said, addressing Carney, who was the first foreign head of government to attend her annual “State of the European Union” address. Carney is set to give his own speech to the European Parliament on Thursday ahead of an EU-Canada summit scheduled for next month in Montreal.
Von der Leyen indicated that the relationship between the EU and Canada should evolve beyond mere trade cooperation to a more extensive “alliance for the future.” She outlined plans for collaboration in various sectors, including manufacturing, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and energy.
“This is a partnership not against anyone else, but for our common strength,” von der Leyen asserted.
While EU treaties do not currently provide for an “associate member” status, the concept was first suggested by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz this year in relation to Ukraine. In that discussion, Ukraine would have the opportunity to participate in EU summits and have representation within the European Commission, though without full voting rights.
As both the EU and Canada face pressures from U.S. tariffs and competition from China, they have already established a significant level of cooperation. Their Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has eliminated nearly all tariffs and is credited with increasing trade in goods and services by over 80% since its implementation in 2016.
Additionally, Canada recently became the first non-EU nation to join a prominent defense loan program, further solidifying ties between the two entities.
“We believe that power does not belong to the strongest, the richest, or the loudest – but to all of us. That democracies have the freedom to choose with whom to work,” von der Leyen stated. “So, we are joining forces voluntarily.”
