Canada invited to become first associate member of European Union

Prime Minister Mark Carney landed in Strasbourg, France Wednesday morning for the investment summit to hear some good news.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen says Europe wants to open the door for Canada to become an associate member of the European Union.

They posted on X early Wednesday morning saying that the union wants to create a common prosperity and economic security space.

Dear @MarkJCarney we want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible.

I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to being the first associate member of the EU.

And create a common prosperity and economic security space. pic.twitter.com/GqIjGBz6aY

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) September 16, 2026

But Canada’s incoming ambassador to the EU says the term “associate membership” isn’t yet firm and that it’s about building a stronger alliance while keeping sovereignty.

“At the end of the day, what we are looking to do is get as close as we possibly can in a manner that’s going to actually strengthen all of our respective countries,” says Jonathan Wilkinson, ambassador-designate of Canada to the EU.

Canada’s minister of industry says this will bring the relationship between Canada and the EU to a whole new level.

Political science professor Nelson Wiseman says while the title is meaningless, the relationship is beneficial.

“I think it’s well beyond a good start … we are going to get more. How much more? We’ll see,” Wiseman says.

“Well I haven’t sat down and went in depth with the prime minister so I look forward to hearing the case when he comes back,” Premier Doug Ford says.

Carney is overseas looking to secure deeper ties with Europe and has been invited to address the European Parliament Thursday.

He will then make a quick flight to Manchester, England to meet with new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and attend a soccer match in Liverpool.

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