EU chief wants Canada as bloc’s first associate member

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Trending on The Hill - September 16, 2026

Trending on The Hill - September 16, 2026

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday she wants Canada to join the European Union as an associate member, as the North American nation is embroiled in a trade war with the U.S. 

“I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to being the first associate member of the European Union,” von der Leyen told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was in attendance for her annual State of the Union address.

Attendees of the speech applauded her comments. Carney will address the European Parliament on Thursday in Strasbourg, France.

The European leader said the EU and Canada “see the world” similarly on issues such as artificial intelligence, climate........

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