Ursula von der Leyen invited Canada to work toward becoming the first associate member of the EU on Wednesday in Strasbourg, putting Canada European Union ties on a new public track. Mark Carney was in the chamber when von der Leyen made the offer, and the move comes as Canada looks to cut its dependence on US trade.
Von der Leyen said the EU and Canada “see the world with the same eyes,” pointing to shared democratic values and common approaches to AI, climate breakdown, the Ukraine war and geopolitics. She said the existing trade deal would be upgraded to “an alliance for the future,” with work on a tech alliance, defence industrial bases and the Arctic.
Strasbourg offer to Canada
Von der Leyen told the European parliament: “We want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible. We must urgently reimagine our partnerships. So, I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU.” The 27-member EU has never had an associate membership category, so the offer would require a new political and institutional path rather than a routine treaty update.
Canada and the EU already have a trade deal and numerous bilateral agreements, but von der Leyen’s pitch goes beyond trade. She set out cooperation on energy, critical minerals, batteries, AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity and economic security, while EU officials have also shown interest in Canada’s energy and natural resources.
Mark Carney’s unique alliance
Carney has called for a “unique alliance” with the EU as Canada seeks to reduce its heavy dependence on US trade. Last month, Carney broke off trade talks with the US, said Canada would not be subjugated, and introduced retaliatory tariffs on billions worth of US goods after Donald Trump returned to the White House and raised tariffs on old allies.
Carney posted after the Strasbourg meeting: “Canada and the EU are natural partners, united by shared values. With President von der Leyen and [the European parliament] President [Roberta] Metsola, we focused on what comes next: a deeper partnership that reinforces our mutual sovereignty to create more opportunities and prosperity for our peoples.”
EU and Canada summit
The next concrete step is a summit in late October, where Canada and the EU are due to develop their future relationship. Carney is due to address the European parliament on Thursday, keeping the discussion public and putting the practical meaning of associate membership in view before negotiators move further.
The unresolved issue is the one the EU already drew a line around during the UK’s Brexit talks: officials said there was no status that let a foreign country be half in and half out of the single market, and the EU defended the four freedoms of its internal market. If Canada is to become the first associate member, the immediate question is what rights, obligations and market access such a status would actually create.
