Canada's latest play in its trade fight with the US: It might join the EU as an 'associate' member

Business Insider | 16-09-2026 01:16pm |

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union could welcome Canada as its first "associate" member, a status not currently defined in EU treaties. She said she wanted to open the door to the arrangement and bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible. The proposal would deepen cooperation on manufacturing, AI, critical minerals, energy, and defense. It comes as Canada seeks to strengthen its non-US relationships amid a trade fight with President Donald Trump, after Canada-US trade talks collapsed last month and both sides imposed tariffs.

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