European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has offered Canada the first-ever status of an “associate member” of the EU. The offer was made during her annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament, which was attended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The title is considered a gesture of political support and reciprocal affection, as associate membership is not outlined in the EU's founding treaties. The EU typically forms association agreements with close countries, some of whom may eventually join the bloc.
During her address, Ms von der Leyen also proposed a new EU mechanism for urgent consultations in response to hybrid warfare, aligning with NATO's Article 4 security consultations. Additionally, she called for a European security council, which would include Ukraine, the UK, and Canada alongside EU powers, to guide the continent's expanding defence efforts. This initiative is expected to be detailed in an updated European security strategy next month.