Ursula von der Leyen, proposal for Canada to become the EU’s first “associated member”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed on Wednesday, in her State of the Union address, that Canada become the European Union’s first “associate member.” The announcement was made in Strasbourg, in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and aims to deepen economic, technological and security cooperation between the EU and Ottawa.

“I would like to work with you to open the door for Canada to become the EU’s first associate member,” von der Leyen told the Canadian prime minister. The proposal is part of a new phase in bilateral relations, called the “Alliance for the Future.”

Cooperation would focus on advanced manufacturing, energy, critical raw materials, batteries, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cybersecurity and the Arctic. The EU and Canada also intend to bring their defence industrial bases closer together.

“Associate member” is not currently a legal status provided for in the European treaties. The formula could designate a special partnership, without Canada formally joining the EU, but with expanded cooperation in strategic areas, including the movement of goods, services and labour.

The relationship accelerated rapidly in 2026. Canada became the first non-European country to participate in the European SAFE instrument, intended to finance joint defence procurement, and the first non-European invitee to a meeting of the European Political Community. The next EU-Canada summit is scheduled for October 29-30 in Montreal.