EU chief proposes associate member status for Canada - Toronto Star

With Mark Carney in attendance, EU President Ursula von der Leyen proposed an 'alliance for the future' with Canada at a packed legislative assembly. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney attends the annual State of the European Union at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France on Sept 16, 2026. 

STRASBOURG, FRANCE—The European Union should welcome Canada as an associate member, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told a packed legislative assembly here Wednesday.

“We want to bring the relationship to the highest level possible,” said von der Leyen in a state of the union address to the European Parliament, saying Canada is a valued partner on the war in Ukraine, key to diversifying its energy sources and upholds democracy and the international rule of law.

“I would like to work with you to opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the European Union,” she said, prompting a loud wave of applause in the massive circular chamber. 

At that, Prime Minister Mark Carney, seated as an invited guest at the front row off to her left, smiled broadly and shook hands with an Irish minister of state, and walked over to shake von der Leyen’s hand and kiss her on each cheek. Some European parliamentarians offered a standing ovation, but it was not a uniform response across the chamber.

There could be a political cost in addition to the financial price tag for Canada’s “unique alliance” with the European Union.