EU offers Canada associate membership

Ursula von der Leyen announced the EU wants Canada to become its first associate member. This marks a significant policy shift for the 27-nation bloc.

“I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to being the first associate member of the European Union”

Carney seeks European alliance

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wants a unique security and economic alliance with Europe, but not full EU membership. He addressed EU lawmakers in Strasbourg.

Trump tariffs push Canada away

Canada is locked in a bitter trade war with the U.S. and has pledged to match Trump's tariffs dollar for dollar.

Shared values drive partnership

Von der Leyen said the EU and Canada see the world with the same eyes. They'll work together on AI, climate change, geopolitics and Arctic security.

“We see the world with the same eyes”

Building on existing trade deal

The EU and Canada already have CETA, a free trade agreement that eliminated 99% of tariffs in 2017. The new alliance would create a common prosperity and economic security space.

“We will move from CETA to an alliance for the future”

EU previously resisted flexibility

The bloc had been reluctant to create flexible membership categories, even rejecting associate membership for Ukraine earlier this year when Germany's Friedrich Merz proposed it.

Less dependent on US and China

Berenberg's chief economist says Europe is forming partnerships with like-minded democracies. The goal is reducing dependence on both the U.S. and China.

“It is clearly in favor of making us less dependent on the U.S. and less dependent on China”

Middle powers must band together

Carney told Davos that middle powers need to counter hard power and build cooperation. EU lawmakers say democratic countries must strengthen ties amid unpredictable U.S. policy.

“You have to be strong and sit at the table, otherwise you will be part of the menu”