European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said the European Union is considering Canada for its first associate membership, as both sides seek to deepen their strategic partnership.
Von der Leyen made the remarks during her annual State of the European Union address in Strasbourg, highlighting the growing importance of closer cooperation between Europe and Canada.
She said stronger partnerships are increasingly necessary as the international rules-based order comes under pressure and geopolitical divisions deepen.
According to von der Leyen, the EU and Canada share common positions on several major issues, including artificial intelligence, climate change, Arctic affairs and broader geopolitical developments.
She also highlighted cooperation on support for Ukraine, defence, access to critical raw materials and strengthening the resilience of supply chains.
Von der Leyen said the relationship between the EU and Canada is also built on shared democratic principles, describing democracy as a central value linking the two sides.
The proposed arrangement would establish a new form of relationship with the EU, as associate membership is not currently provided for under the bloc’s treaties.