Canada’s government has repeatedly stated it is not pursuing full EU membership, which under EU treaties is limited to European states, and Prime Minister Mark Carney has described the goal as a “unique alliance” short of accession. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed in mid-September 2026 that Canada become the bloc’s first “associate member,” an undefined status outside existing treaties, prompting Canadian officials to emphasize deeper cooperation on trade, defense, critical minerals, and energy without ceding sovereignty. A Canada-EU summit scheduled for October 29–30 in Montreal is expected to advance concrete measures building on CETA and the 2025 Security and Defence Partnership. Public polling shows majority Canadian support for closer ties, though full membership has not been advanced by Ottawa.