Canada in the EU? Questions loom around EU Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen’s offer of ‘Associate Membership’ in the European Union

BY: SUTTON CROUCH | SEPTEMBER 28, 2026

Recently, European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s offer of ‘Associate Membership’ to Canada has prompted a flurry of questions for North Americans and Europeans alike. As U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration’s Tariff Wars have shifted the status quo, Canada and the European Union have looked to strengthen trade relations.

Canada and the EU currently have a large-scale trade deal, the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, signed in late 2016. While provisionally in effect, a decade later, 10 EU Member States have failed to ratify it. Despite concerns over agricultural and environmental standards, the provisional CETA removed 98% of tariffs between Canada and the EU. As both Canada and the EU are becoming increasingly frustrated with protectionist policies under the current U.S. administration, they are looking not only to deepen economic cooperation, but security partnerships as well.

Commission President von der Leyen has yet to define or place boundaries on the term ‘Associate Member,’ yet some things are clear. Primarily, geographically, Canada’s territory does not extend into Europe, meaning it is not seeking full membership. Canada has denied interest in entrance in the Eurozone. Finally, Canada isn’t likely to integrate politically into the EU system. It is currently fair to assume that trade partnerships and security cooperation will increase. Security cooperation will increase bilaterally rather than through NATO, as both states feel the U.S.’s current administration is not supporting NATO in their interests.

Important questions, however, do remain: Will there be a right to live and work for Canadian citizens in the EU and vice versa? Given the increasing anti-Globalization sentiment in the EU, is it possible for Canada to be folded in as a member?