Von der Leyen proposes Canada as first EU 'associate member'

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen made a strikingly ambitious suggestion during her annual State of the European Union address in Strasbourg.

She has signaled support for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's call for a more distinctive "security and economic alliance" with Europe, proposing that Canada could become the EU's first "associate member."

"Dear Mark, I said we must urgently reimagine our partnerships so I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to being the first associate member of the European Union. 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."

Carney was present in the audience for the speech, and he had remained tight-lipped about the matter in the days leading up to von der Leyen's remarks.

As recently as the day before, he stated that Canada was not pursuing full EU membership. However, this development suggests that "associate membership" — whatever that may ultimately involve — is now firmly under consideration.

To provide some context, the EU currently lacks any mechanism for "associate membership." This means von der Leyen would need the unanimous consent of all 27 member states to advance the proposal.

Additionally, no specifics have emerged regarding what "associate membership" would entail for Canada in this scenario. At a minimum, it could involve a trade or security agreement.

Some member states may push back, concerned about Canada receiving favorable treatment beyond existing trade and investment deals. Yet the individual most likely to object strongly and express his displeasure is US President Trump.

His trade conflicts with both the EU and Canada are largely what is drawing the two sides together now. Trump has described Canada as "the worst country to deal with," and it is plausible he could prepare additional tariffs in response to this special arrangement.