Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, stated that she aims to establish Canada as an “associated member” of the European Union in the long term. Speaking in her address on the state of the EU to the Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, she noted that she intends to collaborate with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to pave the way for Canada to become “the first associated member of the European Union.”
Simultaneously, she announced a new “Future Alliance” with Canada. This partnership will involve creating a technology alliance and deepening cooperation in the areas of manufacturing and defense. Furthermore, Von der Leyen stated that both sides wish to make the Arctic a “joint showcase project.” Collaboration will take place in fields such as energy, critical minerals, and batteries, as well as in AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, and economic security.
However, the Commission President clarified that these plans are not a response or a confrontation toward the United States. She emphasized that the partnership is “not against anyone,” but she reiterated that Europe and Canada share a belief in democracy. It is also understood that the strained relationship between the EU and Canada concerning the United States is a factor driving this intensified partnership. This tension stems from recent escalations in the trade conflict between the two North American neighbors, compounded by recurring tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, which consistently create friction with the EU.
