European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed opening a path for Canada to become the EU’s first associate member, expanding ties beyond the existing CETA free-trade agreement. A proposal made during her annual State of the European Union address, the suggested “Alliance for the Future” would deepen cooperation in both economic and national security. Von der Leyen framed the proposed partnership as being based on shared democratic values and said it was intended to strengthen Canada-EU ties rather than target another country.

The initiative comes as U.S. tariffs and President Donald Trump’s repeated comments about Canada becoming the 51st state have prompted Ottawa to seek greater diversification of its economic and security relationships, as well as closer ties with European partners. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has advocated closer ties with Europe and argued that middle powers such as Canada gain leverage by working collectively, rather than negotiating individually with dominant powers like the United States.

Full report: EU chief Ursula von der Leyen says she wants Canada to become the bloc’s 1st associate member.