WASHINGTON — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday floated the possibility of Canada becoming the European Union’s first associate member, a striking proposal as the trade dispute between President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney intensifies.
“I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada being the first associate member of the EU,” von der Leyen told Carney during her annual State of the European Union speech in Strasbourg.
Carney, who was present for the European Parliament gathering, nodded before standing to embrace von der Leyen and exchange kisses on the cheek.
The Canadian prime minister is set to address the European Parliament on Thursday, following his resistance to Trump’s tariff-driven push for a more favorable trade deal.
It remains unclear what associate membership would mean in practice for the EU, a bloc created to lower barriers to trade and immigration.
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Trump last week announced a ban on most Canadian alcohol, dairy products and motorcycles, citing provincial restrictions or boycotts targeting US alcohol that began last year.
Carney, who left trade negotiations on Aug. 21, responded last week with a 50% tariff on US clothing, cheese, metals and wood. The move was retaliation for a comparable US tariff on Canadian goods announced last month.
Trump has also threatened to raise tariffs to 50% on all vehicles and auto parts starting Jan. 1, while imposing the same rate on steel imported from Canada.