Ursula von der Leyen says EU‑Canada will create "a common prosperity and economic security space"

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada the European Union's first associate member, aiming to deepen ties amid rising tensions with the United States. This initiative, part of a broader "Alliance for the Future," seeks to establish a shared economic and security framework covering areas like technology, defense, and critical minerals. The move follows Canada's efforts to diversify trade away from the U.S. due to American tariffs and political rhetoric. This proposal was made during von der Leyen's annual State of the European Union address.