Canada invited to become EU’s first ‘associate member’ as Trump trade war intensifies

(From L) Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrive for a speech during European Commission President's annual State of the Union address at a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, eastern France on September 16, 2026.Jean-christophe Verhaegen | Afp | Getty ImagesEuropean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday said the European Union is opening the door for Canada to become the first associate member of the 27-nation bloc.The announcement marks a significant change in EU policy and signals a major deepening of ties between Brussels and Ottawa.Speaking in her annual state of the European Union address in Strasbourg, France, the EU chief said the bloc wants to bring the relationship with Canada "to the highest level possible.""And, dear Mark, I said we must urgently reimagine our partnerships so I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to being the first associate member of the European Union," Von der Leyen said.Carney, who was in attendance for the speech, had previously said Ottawa was keen to pursue a "unique security and economic...