Canada's latest play in its trade fight with the US: It might join the EU as an 'associate' member

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is seeking closer ties with Europe.

VALERIE MACON / AFP via Getty Images The European Union could welcome Canada as its first "associate" member, its leader said Wednesday.

It comes as Canada seeks to strengthen its non-US relationships amid a trade fight with Trump.

Canada-US trade talks collapsed last month, prompting tariffs from both sides of the border.

Canada could become the European Union's first "associate member" as it looks to strengthen its international relationships amid escalating trade tensions with the US and President Donald Trump.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday that she wanted to "open the door" to the new arrangement, which is not currently defined in EU treaties.

"In short, we want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible," von der Leyen said at the EU's State of the Union address.

The proposal would deepen cooperation on manufacturing, AI, critical minerals, energy, defense, and Arctic policy.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has sought closer ties with Europe after US-Canada trade talks collapsed last month, prompting retaliatory tariffs.

Canada is not seeking full EU membership.

Canada and the EU already have a trade agreement, but the proposed associate-member status would signal a deeper political and strategic partnership.

Von der Leyen did not spell out exactly what rights or obligations an associate member would have, and creating the status could require legal and political work within the EU.

Dear @MarkJCarney we want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible.

I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to being the first associate member of the EU.