European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has endorsed proposals to explore Canada becoming the European Union’s first “associate member”, saying the bloc should open the door to closer relations with Ottawa. She made the proposal during the EU’s annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in attendance.
Von der Leyen said Europe and Canada “see the world with the same eyes” and had stood together on Ukraine, defence, raw materials and supply chains. She identified manufacturing, technology, artificial intelligence, defence, energy, critical minerals and economic security as possible areas for deeper cooperation, while stressing that the relationship would not be a partnership directed against another country.
The proposal comes as Canada’s relations with the United States have deteriorated. Trade talks between Ottawa and Washington collapsed last month, followed by new tariff measures, while Trump has repeatedly discussed making Canada a “51st state”. Carney has said he is seeking a “unique alliance” with the EU and is due to address the European Parliament.
Trump described the proposed arrangement as “laughable”, according to BBC News, and said the United States could impose “very serious tariffs” or stop trading with Europe if it considered the move hostile. He added that tariffs remained a possibility if he judged the intention to be negative.
Associate membership does not currently exist in the EU, and the source said establishing such a status could take years. Ten of the bloc’s 27 members have yet to ratify a free-trade agreement with Canada concluded nearly a decade ago. Some EU governments may prefer to expand existing trade and defence agreements rather than create a new membership category.
Von der Leyen also proposed a European Security Council involving partners including the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Canada and Norway. She said the body would complement NATO and could provide a mechanism for emergency meetings when a member felt under threat, although some countries are concerned it could rival the alliance.