Sep 16, 2026
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has opened the door for Canada to become the first associate member of the European Union, signalling an unprecedented step toward deeper economic and security ties.
Speaking Wednesday at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, von der Leyen addressed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney directly during her annual State of the European Union address, framing the offer as an essential response to growing global volatility and transactional politics.
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“We see the world with the same eyes: from AI to climate change, from the Arctic to geopolitics,” von der Leyen said, drawing a standing ovation from lawmakers. “And we know that in today’s world, you do not build lasting stability with those who think power plays get things done, or who treat international politics like a transaction.”
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Without naming U.S. President Donald Trump directly, von der Leyen contrastingly praised Canada as a steadfast democratic ally, pitching an upgrade of the bilateral relationship to meet rising geopolitical threats.
“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 added.
Moving beyond traditional trade agreements
The proposal aims to expand the existing Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement into an “Alliance for the Future” focused on economic security. Von der Leyen outlined plans to deepen cooperation across defence manufacturing, energy, critical minerals, cybersecurity and joint initiatives in the Arctic.
Carney, who attended the session, rose to shake von der Leyen’s hand following the announcement. The prime minister is scheduled to deliver an address to the European Parliament on Thursday as part of an official visit to France aimed at diversifying trade and security partnerships.
While the European Union maintains custom trade models with non-member nations such as Norway and Switzerland, it has never formally established an associate membership category. The initiative would require approval from all 27 EU member states.
Specific details regarding how associate status would affect access to the EU single market remain under negotiation, with further talks set for a bilateral summit in late October.
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Leslie Kennedy served as an editor at Thomson Reuters and for Star Media Group, followed by a number of years as a writer and editor and content manager in marketing communications, before returning to her editorial roots. She is a graduate of Humber College’s post-graduate journalism program and has been a professional writer and editor ever since.
