International News

EU–Canada Associate Membership

September 18 , 2026 13 hrs 0 min 13 0

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has backed proposals for Canada to become the EU’s first “associate member”.
The proposed status would deepen EU–Canada cooperation in technology, AI, defence, energy, critical minerals and economic security.
“Associate membership” is not currently an EU membership category and could take years to establish.
Canada has sought a “unique alliance” with the EU amid trade tensions with the US.
Von der Leyen also proposed a European Security Council involving partners such as Canada, the UK and Ukraine.