Stories

Thu, 17 Sep 2026

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 EU chief backs plan for Canada to become 'associate member'

Trump, who has frequently clashed with Canada's PM, threatens to cut trade with the European Union in response to the proposal.

* European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has backed proposals for Canada to become an "associate member" of the EU.
* This would involve closer ties on key sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and defence.
* The proposal was made in response to tensions between Canada and the US, with Trump threatening to cut trade with the EU if it goes ahead.
* Von der Leyen said that the EU and Canada "see the world with the same eyes" and that partnerships are a strategic choice for Europe.
* Trump called the plan "laughable" and threatened to put "very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe, on many things".
* The proposal would not be a formal membership, but rather a closer relationship between the EU and Canada.
* Von der Leyen also proposed the formation of a European Security Council, which would include the UK and Ukraine, amid an ongoing threat to the continent from Russia.
* Other proposals included inviting AI labs for talks on industry efforts to pace the frontier, slashing bureaucracy for businesses in the EU, and plans to curb social media use among children.