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

• The European Union could welcome Canada as its first “associate” member, its leader said Wednesday.
• It comes as Canada seeks to strengthen its non-US relationships amid a trade fight with Trump.
• Canada-US trade talks collapsed last month, prompting tariffs from both sides of the border.

Canada could become the European Union’s first “associate member” as it looks to strengthen its international relationships amid escalating trade tensions with the US and President Donald Trump.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday that she wanted to “open the door” to the new arrangement, which is not currently defined in EU treaties.

“In short, we want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible,” von der Leyen said.

The proposal would deepen cooperation on manufacturing, AI, critical minerals, energy, defense, and Arctic policy.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has sought closer ties with Europe after US-Canada trade talks collapsed last month, prompting retaliatory tariffs. Canada is not seeking full EU membership.

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.