The European Commission has made an unexpected offer to Canada. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that she wants to make the country the first "associate member" of the European Union.
The proposal was voiced on 16 September 2026 in Strasbourg. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended von der Leyen's State of the European Union address as a guest of honor.
Von der Leyen emphasized that Canada could become closer to the bloc amid trade tensions with the US. The proposal was a response to Washington's rising tariffs.
Canada is already waging a trade war with the administration of Donald Trump. The US imposed 50 percent duties on a range of Canadian goods, and Ottawa responded with mirror measures on American imports worth 27,6 billion dollars.
Carney seeks to diversify trade and reduce dependence on the southern neighbor. He plans to double trade volumes with non-American partners in the coming decade.
The EU and Canada already have the CETA agreement in force, which removed almost all tariffs. However, the sides are discussing a deeper partnership in the areas of technology, raw materials and security.
Some experts note obstacles: Canada protects its telecommunications and dairy markets. Ten EU countries have not yet fully ratified CETA.
Carney's visit to Europe underscores Ottawa's pivot to the east and west. How will this affect transatlantic relations in the long term?
The European Union sees Canada as a reliable partner in an unstable world. Both players are looking for ways to strengthen economic and political ties without looking back at Washington.
