EU wants Canada to become ‘associate member,’ von der Leyen says

European Commission president proposes a new “Alliance for the Future” to build on existing trade EU-Canada trade agreement.

Copy Link Copied Share via email Share on X Share on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn Mark Carney himself said last week he wanted a “unique” partnership with Brussels but shied away from using the words associate membership. | Jean-Christophe Verhaegen/AFP via Getty Images September 16, 2026 10:01 am CET By Camille Gijs and Gabriel Gavin European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants Canada to become the first “associate member” of the European Union, she said in her annual State of the Union address on Wednesday.

“I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU,” von der Leyen said her speech to European lawmakers, which was attended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.