EU proposes Canada become first associate member

The European Union is proposing to open the door for Canada to become its first associate member.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the proposal Wednesday during her State of the European Union address in Strasbourg, France, with Prime Minister Mark Carney in attendance.

President von der Leyen said in the speech, "I said we must urgently reimagine our partnerships. So, I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU."

The proposed partnership would cover areas including trade, technology, defence, energy, critical minerals, batteries, artificial intelligence, quantum technology, cybersecurity and economic security.

The EU also wants to work with Canada on Arctic issues and closer integration between European and Canadian defence industries.

Von der Leyen then proposed working toward Canada becoming the EU's first associate member.

Prime Minister Mark Carney met with von der Leyen and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Strasbourg on Wednesday.

According to the Prime Minister's Office, Canada and the EU are already working to deepen their partnership in critical minerals, energy, defence, research and development and advanced technologies.

The proposed associate membership would not make Canada a full member of the European Union. The details and structure of the proposed new relationship have yet to be defined.