Von der Leyen touts ‘associate member’ status for Canada over objections of EU capitals

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her intention to elevate EU-Canada relations, suggesting the possibility of Canada achieving associate member status. This statement was made ahead of an EU-Canada summit in Montreal, where deeper cooperation will be discussed amid global challenges. Von der Leyen acknowledged that while Canada cannot be a full EU member due to geographical constraints, both parties are eager to strengthen their partnership.