Ursula von der Leyen says Canada would be "the first associate member of the European Union"

On Sept. 16, 2026, Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg that Canada should receive a new associate relationship with the EU, describing it as the first of its kind. The next day, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the same chamber, welcomed the ambition, said the terminology was Europe’s to decide, and later stated Canada is neither able nor seeking full EU membership. The proposal came as President Donald Trump threatened tariffs if he deemed the arrangement hostile and signed a procurement memorandum affecting Canadian goods. Ireland’s foreign minister welcomed exploring associate membership; France said the status needs debate and detailed review; Spain backed the offer. A European Commission spokesman said the partnership is not directed against others, and an EU-Canada summit is listed for Oct. 29–30.