Von der Leyen proposes Canada as EU's first associate member

Partnership would span defense, AI, Arctic, and critical minerals

The proposal came during von der Leyen’s annual State of the European Union address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday. “I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada being the first associate member of the EU,” she told Carney during the address, where she appeared with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.

Von der Leyen said the expanded partnership would build on Canada’s existing Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the EU, known as Ceta, and create what she called an “alliance for the future” aimed at building “a common prosperity and economic security space.” She said cooperation would extend into advanced manufacturing, technology, defense production, the Arctic, energy, critical minerals, batteries, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cybersecurity and economic security.

Carney, who received a standing ovation from European lawmakers, has called for a “unique alliance” with the EU as Ottawa seeks to reduce what he has described as Canada’s heavy dependence on US trade. The Canadian prime minister is due to address the European Parliament on Thursday.

Von der Leyen framed the proposed relationship in terms of shared political commitments rather than commerce alone. “Above all, dear Mark, Europe and Canada believe in democracy,” she said. “We believe that power does not belong to the strongest, the richest or the loudest, but to all of us. That democracies have the freedom to choose with whom to work.”

“This is a partnership not against anyone else, but for our common strength,” she added. “In short, we want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible.”

The overture follows President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods and his repeated references to Canada becoming the 51st US state. Carney’s government has cited those pressures as it pushes to diversify trade and deepen ties with European partners. Further details of the proposed associate membership were not immediately available.