# EU invites Canada to become first associate member

> Ursula von der Leyen's proposal comes as Trump's tariffs push Ottawa to seek closer ties with Europe.
- Title: EU invites Canada to become first associate member · NPR
- Summary: Ursula von der Leyen's proposal comes as Trump's tariffs push Ottawa to seek closer ties with Europe. Canada is exploring unprecedented EU associate…
- Keywords: canada, european union, ursula von der leyen, mark carney, donald trump, tariffs, trade, associate membership, ceta, strasbourg, european parliament, news
- Source: NPR — https://npr.org/2026/09/16/nx-s1-5970985/canada-become-eu-associate-member
- Published: 2026-09-16T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: canada, european union, ursula von der leyen, mark carney, donald trump, tariffs, trade, associate membership, ceta, strasbourg, european parliament, news
## EU offers Canada associate membership
Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada the EU's first associate member during her State of the Union address. Mark Carney embraced her as lawmakers gave a standing ovation.
## Trump's tariffs drive Canada to Europe
Roughly 70% of Canadian exports go to the U.S. Trump's tariffs and talk of making Canada the 51st state have pushed Carney to seek closer ties with Europe.
## What associate membership could include
Canada is exploring an arrangement allowing its citizens to live and work in Europe without visas. This would go beyond the existing CETA free trade agreement.
## An alliance rooted in democracy
Von der Leyen said the partnership is about shared democratic values, not just trade. She told Carney that power belongs to all citizens, not the strongest or loudest.

> We believe that power does not belong to the strongest, the richest or the loudest, but to all of us.
## Defense and tech cooperation planned
The alliance would cover defense production, AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, critical minerals, and Arctic issues. Canada already joined the EU's $173 billion defense program this year.
## Carney urges middle powers to unite
At Davos in January, Carney said negotiating alone with a hegemon means accepting subordination. He called for middle powers to work together for greater leverage.

> When we only negotiate bilaterally with a hegemon, we negotiate from weakness. We accept what is offered.
## EU took different approach with Trump
The EU reached a trade deal with Washington setting a 15% U.S. tariff ceiling while eliminating tariffs on American industrial goods. Canada has retaliated against U.S. tariffs instead.
## Key takeaway

Canada is exploring unprecedented EU associate membership to reduce economic dependence on the United States.