EU backs exploration of associate membership for Canada
Ursula von der Leyen has proposed closer Canada–EU cooperation as Ottawa’s relations with Washington deteriorate, but no formal membership framework has been agreed.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has backed exploring a path for Canada to become the European Union’s first associate member, proposing closer cooperation across strategic sectors.
Speaking to the European Parliament on Wednesday, von der Leyen said she wanted to work on “opening the door” for Canada. The proposal would not make Canada a full EU member, and no formal decision, timetable or legal framework has been reported.
Potential areas of cooperation include energy, critical minerals, batteries, artificial intelligence, cyber security, defence and economic security. Von der Leyen said the initiative was intended to strengthen common interests rather than act against another country.
The proposal comes as Canada seeks closer ties with the EU amid strained relations with the United States. Trade talks between Canada and the US collapsed last month, followed by new tariff measures, according to BBC World.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended von der Leyen’s speech and is due to address the European Parliament on Thursday. Canada and the EU already have established economic and political ties.
Von der Leyen also proposed a European Security Council involving partners including Canada, Norway, Ukraine and the United Kingdom. The rights, obligations and institutional role that associate membership would entail remain unspecified.
