EU Commission President proposes associate membership for Canada

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during her State of the European Union address in Strasbourg that she would like to explore a pathway for Canada to become the EU’s first associate member. The proposal comes as Canada seeks to diversify its trade and security links after recent U.S. tariff measures.

Trudeau responded positively, noting that Canada is examining arrangements that would allow its citizens to live and work in Europe without visas and that would expand the existing Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) into a broader strategic partnership.

"I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada being the first associate member of the EU," von der Leyen said.

The envisioned partnership would cover sectors such as advanced manufacturing, technology, defense procurement, the Arctic, energy, critical minerals, batteries, artificial intelligence, quantum computing and cybersecurity, and would be framed around shared democratic values.

"Above all, dear Justin, Europe and Canada believe in democracy," von der Leyen added.

Canada recently became the first non-European country to join the EU’s defence procurement programme, giving Canadian firms access to joint contracts. Officials said the associate-member concept would not replace full EU membership negotiations for other candidate countries, and details on its legal and institutional framework were not provided.

European Parliament leaders welcomed the idea, describing Canada as a natural ally and noting cultural ties, particularly with Ireland. The discussion is expected to continue at the upcoming Canada-EU summit in Montreal scheduled for late October.