The European Commission president has backed proposals for Canada to become the European Union’s first “associate member”, signalling plans for closer cooperation between the two sides.
Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg that Europe should consider “opening the door” to Canada through deeper ties across several strategic sectors.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who attended the address, has previously called for a “unique alliance” with the EU. He is expected to address the European Parliament on Thursday. Von der Leyen said closer relations with Canada would not be directed against any other country, but would strengthen Europe and its partners amid growing pressure on the international rules-based system.
She said the EU and Canada share similar positions on issues including artificial intelligence, climate change and geopolitics. They have also cooperated on Ukraine, defence, critical minerals and supply chains.
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The proposed cooperation could cover manufacturing, technology, AI, defence, energy, critical minerals and economic security. The proposal comes as relations between Canada and the United States remain tense.
Trade talks between Ottawa and Washington collapsed last month, followed by new tariff measures. US President Donald Trump has also repeatedly suggested that Canada could become the 51st US state, further straining relations.
However, “associate membership” is not currently an official EU membership category, meaning any such arrangement would require significant negotiations and could take years.
