Canada’s EU ‘associate membership’ bid gains momentum with von der Leyen’s backing

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has signalled support for Canada’s push for becoming an “associate member” of the EU, marking the deepening of ties with Ottawa.

Speaking in ​her annual State of the European Union ‌address ⁠in Strasbourg, the EU president said, "Partnerships are a strategic ​choice for Europe. But they ​also respond to the fracture in the international rules-based system.”

She also emphasised on the growing need to reimagine the partnerships. Given the urgency against the backdrop of fractured rule-based world order, she announced opening the door for Canada to being the first associate member of the European Union.

In a speech to the European parliament, with Carney in the audience, von der Leyen said, “In short, we want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible.”

“This is not a partnership against anyone else, but for our common strength. We share one ocean, one set of values, one way of seeing the world. And we will now build our shared future as well,” she added.

The announcement comes after Canada’s PM Mark Carney expressed the desire to become an associate member of the bloc instead of seeking to join it. Moreover, the timing is also crucial for both the EU and Canada. Canada has been locked in trade spat with the Trump administration as boh nations slapped tariffs on each other.

When it comes to the EU, Trump’s tariffs, NATO defence demands and the Greenland crisis are the main issues. Alongside anxieties over how Donald Trump might react, several European capitals are hesitant to grant Canada preferential status that goes beyond current trade and investment agreements.

Because the EU lacks an official "associate membership" framework, Ursula von der Leyen's proposal requires unanimous approval from all 27 member states.