Wait for Trump's reaction.
The Toddler in Chief really hates it when people stand and clap for any other world leader, but especially @MarkJCarney .
I am all in for Canadian membership in the EU. We're more like them. They understand cooperation as equals.
🇪🇺🇨🇦 EU chief von der Leyen just offered Canada a path to becoming the bloc's first ever "associate member."
Associate membership doesn't exist.
It's not a category in the EU treaties, so this would be an entirely new status built from scratch, binding Canada much closer to Europe's single market than the current free trade deal, but stopping short of full membership.
Carney has been clear Canada isn't trying to join the EU, calling it instead a "unique alliance."
The push comes straight out of the collapse of Canada-US trade talks and Trump's tariffs and "51st state" jabs, which have sent Ottawa looking for new friends.
The EU has spent years resisting exactly this kind of flexible in-between status.
That it's now dangling one for Canada says a lot about the moment.
Sources: RTE, Reuters, HNGN / Writer: Julie
There is real momentum to bring the people of Europe and Canada closer together.
Because in a more uncertain world, like-minded partners matter more than ever.
@CanadianPM@MarkJCarney, thank you for an excellent meeting today.
We look forward to your address at @Europarl_EN tomorrow.
🇪🇺🇨🇦
Il existe aujourd’hui une véritable dynamique pour renforcer les liens entre les peuples d’Europe et du Canada.
Dans un monde de plus en plus incertain, les partenariats fondés sur des valeurs communes prennent plus que jamais toute leur importance.
@CanadianPM@MarkJCarney, merci pour notre excellente rencontre aujourd’hui.
Nous nous réjouissons de vous accueillir demain au @Europarl_FR et d’entendre votre intervention.
"We want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible.
Dear @MarkJCarney, I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU."
— President @vonderleyen at #SOTEU 2026
In Strasbourg to deepen Canada’s relationship with the EU.
We see the benefits of a stronger partnership — to our economies, our security, and our mutual sovereignty. We’re working fast to forge it.
Monsieur le Premier ministre @MarkJCarney, vous avez montré ce qu’il fallait faire face à Trump : refuser la compromission, riposter, protéger vos intérêts. Parler le langage de la puissance.
Sachez que le Canada est le bienvenu dans l’Union européenne.
Parce que nous partageons les mêmes valeurs et que nos intérêts sont convergents.
Dear @MarkJCarney we want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible.
I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to being the first associate member of the EU.
And create a common prosperity and economic security space.