# The EU's 28th State?

> European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen floats making Canada the bloc's first associate member.
- Title: The EU's 28th State? · Foreign Policy | Shortify
- Summary: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen floats making Canada the bloc's first associate member. Canada and the EU are exploring an unprecedented…
- Keywords: canada, european union, ursula von der leyen, mark carney, associate membership, trade agreement, donald trump, tariffs, eu expansion, canada-eu relations, transatlantic relations, free trade
- Source: Foreign Policy — https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/16/eu-canada-associate-member-von-der-leyen-carney-trade-trump
- Author: Alexandra Sharp
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: canada, european union, ursula von der leyen, mark carney, associate membership, trade agreement, donald trump, tariffs, eu expansion, canada-eu relations, transatlantic relations, free trade
## EU proposes Canada as associate member
Von der Leyen suggested making Canada the bloc's first associate member, a proposal that would expand the EU beyond Europe for the first time.

> We must urgently reimagine our partnerships
## Carney pitches closer EU ties
The Canadian prime minister has been pitching the arrangement to European officials for months. Discussions focus on ties just short of full membership.
## Visa-free work rights on the table
The partnership could allow Canadian citizens to live and work in EU member states without needing a visa.
## Expanded collaboration beyond trade
The arrangement might bolster cooperation in defense production, critical minerals, economic security, and artificial intelligence development.
## Canada wants maximum closeness
Canada's ambassador-designate to the EU said the country wants to get as close as possible to the bloc. Further talks are expected in October.

> to get as close as we possibly can
## Trump strains transatlantic relations
The proposal comes as both Canada's and Europe's relations with the United States under Trump are greatly strained.

> not a partnership against anyone else
## Tariff war hits Canada hard
The White House imposed tariffs on roughly $20 billion worth of Canadian goods last month. Canada retaliated with duties on around 700 U.S. products.
## Massive bilateral trade at stake
Canada is one of America's largest trading partners. Bilateral trade accounted for around $872.3 billion in 2025.
## Ottawa pivots away from Washington
Alongside Trump's threats to make Canada the 51st U.S. state, Ottawa has begun prioritizing its relationship with the EU over America.
## Some EU states show caution
An EU diplomat warned about being careful when talking about trade access and preferential treatment, even with Canada.

> we all know we have to be careful when you start talking about trade access and preferential treatment
## Existing trade deal faces resistance
Ten EU member states have yet to ratify the bloc's 2017 free-trade deal with Canada, citing provisions that favor Canadian investors.
## Sign of a fractured world order
Carney called the high-level discussions a sign of a rupture in the world order. He will address the European Parliament on Thursday.

> rupture in the world order
## Key takeaway

Canada and the EU are exploring an unprecedented associate membership that could include visa-free work rights and expanded trade, driven by strained relations with Trump's America.