EU chief says she wants Canada to become the bloc's first associate member

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday that she would like to open a path for Canada to become the European Union’s first associate member, as Brussels and Ottawa look to deepen ties beyond their current freetrade relationship. Speaking in Strasbourg during her state of the union address, von der Leyen said Europe and Canada share values and interests, including on trade, defence, climate, the Arctic, critical minerals and supply chains. Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the address and later met the remarks with visible support in the chamber. The proposal comes as Canada seeks closer cooperation with Europe amid strained ties with the United States under President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. Canadian officials, however, have downplayed the label, saying the relationship is still being defined and that Canada is not seeking EU membership. The European Union’s own rules allow only European countries to apply for full membership.