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

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada the European Union’s first “associate member,” a status that is not currently defined in the bloc’s treaties. The initiative would deepen cooperation with Ottawa on trade, defense, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, energy, climate and Arctic policy, building on the existing EU-Canada trade agreement and a proposed “Alliance for the Future.” The proposal reflects shared concerns about Russia’s war in Ukraine, competition from China and strained relations with current U.S. President Donald Trump, though von der Leyen emphasized that the partnership would not be directed against any country. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has advocated closer cooperation among middle powers, attended the speech and is expected to address the European Parliament, but the plan would require unanimous approval from all 27 EU member states and could face skepticism over its legal framework and potential impact on ties with Washington.