EU chief Ursula von der Leyen says she wants Canada to become the bloc’s 1st associate member

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested on Wednesday that Canada could become the European Union's inaugural associate member, a bold move as the U.S. tariffs compel Ottawa to seek closer ties with Europe. The proposal was made during von der Leyen's annual State of the European Union address, where she addressed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Carney received a standing ovation from European lawmakers for his efforts. Canada, which relies heavily on trade with the United States, has been pushed to seek a stronger partnership with the EU due to Trump's tariffs and the prospect of becoming the 51st state. Von der Leyen proposed enhancing the existing free trade agreement, CETA, with a broader "Alliance for the Future" to promote shared prosperity and economic security.

The relationship would encompass advanced manufacturing, technology, defense, the Arctic, energy, critical minerals, batteries, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and economic security. Canada becoming the EU's first associate member would be a partnership for mutual strength, not against others. Canada recently joined the EU's SAFE defense program, opening its companies to joint procurement.