European Union proposes Canada as first associate member

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed on Wednesday that Canada become the EU's first associate member. She made the offer in Strasbourg, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney present.

Associate membership would not make Canada a full EU member. However, it would create a closer partnership covering trade, defence, technology, and energy.

The proposal follows pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has threatened heavy tariffs on both Canada and the EU. Trump has also suggested Canada should become the 51st American state. Carney called Trump's tariff threats "a direct attack" and has called a cabinet meeting to decide how Canada will respond.