European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Europe wants to open the door for Canada to become an “associate member” of the European Union.
Prime Minister Mark Carney listened on in the front row as von der Leyen laid out key pillars for stronger co-operation between Europe and Canada in Strasbourg, France.
In her state of the union address, she said the two must “urgently reimagine” their partnership, and move beyond just a free-trade agreement.
Dear @MarkJCarney we want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible.
I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to being the first associate member of the EU.
And create a common prosperity and economic security space. pic.twitter.com/GqIjGBz6aY
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 16, 2026
