EU Opens Door to Canada as First ‘Associate Member’
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed that Canada become the European Union’s first “associate member”, as both sides seek closer ties amid growing uncertainty in global politics.
Von der Leyen made the offer during her annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was present in the chamber and received a warm welcome from European lawmakers, according to BBC News.
“I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the European Union,” von der Leyen told him. Her proposal drew a standing ovation before she walked across the chamber to embrace the Canadian leader.
The proposed status does not currently exist under EU treaties. It would therefore require negotiations among Canada, the EU institutions and the bloc’s 27 member states. No timetable or detailed legal framework has yet been announced.
The idea comes as Canada’s relations with the United States have become increasingly tense. Trade talks between Ottawa and Washington collapsed last month, leading to new tariffs and further diplomatic friction. US President Donald Trump has also repeatedly spoken about Canada becoming the “51st state”.
Von der Leyen did not mention Trump by name, but said closer relations with Canada would not be directed against any country. Instead, she described the initiative as a way to strengthen Europe and its democratic partners in an increasingly divided world.
“Partnerships are a strategic choice for Europe,” she said. “But they also respond to the fracture in the international rules-based system.”
The proposed partnership could cover advanced manufacturing, technology, artificial intelligence, defence, energy, critical minerals, batteries, supply chains and economic security. The EU and Canada already cooperate through a free-trade agreement, but several EU countries have yet to ratify the deal.
Carney said earlier that Canada was seeking a “unique alliance” with the EU, rather than full membership. Canada’s geographical location also means it would not qualify for ordinary EU membership under the bloc’s existing rules.
Von der Leyen also proposed creating a European Security Council that would include countries such as Canada, Britain, Ukraine and Norway. The body would be designed to respond to threats facing Europe, including Russia’s war in Ukraine.
She said the council would complement Nato, although some governments fear it could create confusion or compete with the military alliance. The proposal reflects growing concern in Europe about its security and about the future reliability of traditional partnerships.
The EU chief’s speech also addressed the cost of living, artificial intelligence, business regulation and migration. She proposed tighter controls on children’s use of social media, including parental supervision for users aged 13 to 15.
On migration, she called for a temporary emergency mechanism to help countries respond to sudden arrivals. Human rights groups, however, have warned that such measures could put vulnerable migrants at risk and weaken their access to asylum protection.
