Key facts
- Von der Leyen proposed Canada become the first associate member of the European Union.
- Germany has led opposition to the term 'associate member' among EU capitals.
- The EU and Canada are set to announce plans for deeper cooperation at a summit in Montreal.
- Talks on associate membership would focus on AI, climate, and energy policy cooperation.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Thursday she aims to bring EU-Canada relations to the "highest level possible," proposing potential associate member status for Ottawa despite objections from some EU capitals. The overture was made in a speech in Montreal ahead of a summit with Prime Minister Mark Carney, focusing on deeper cooperation amid rising global autocracy and unpredictable relations with U.S. President Donald Trump.