Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, expressed support for proposals that would allow Canada to become the EU's first 'associate member' during a speech to the European Parliament on September 16, 2026. She indicated a desire to strengthen ties between the EU and Canada across various sectors. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who attended the speech, previously mentioned seeking a 'unique alliance' with the EU amid strained relations with the United States, particularly over trade disputes.
Von der Leyen emphasized that the potential partnership with Canada is not aimed against any other country but is intended to enhance collective strength. She noted that the EU and Canada share common views on issues such as artificial intelligence, climate change, and geopolitics, and have collaborated on matters including support for Ukraine and defense strategies.
While von der Leyen did not provide specific details on how the associate membership would function, she highlighted key areas for cooperation, including manufacturing, technology, defense, and economic security. The concept of 'associate membership' does not currently exist within the EU framework, and its implementation would require a lengthy process.
In her address, von der Leyen also proposed the establishment of a European Security Council that would involve partners such as Canada, the UK, and Ukraine, in response to ongoing security threats, particularly from Russia. She acknowledged the challenges posed by rising living costs and rapid technological changes, and outlined proposals to address these issues, including discussions with major AI labs and measures to regulate social media use among children.