Is Canada joining the EU? What does ‘associate member’ status mean

The European Commission has proposed making Canada the EU’s first “associate member”, allowing deeper cooperation without full EU membership. The proposal aims to expand ties beyond trade into defence, technology, energy, critical minerals, AI and cybersecurity. It comes as Canada seeks to reduce its dependence on the US amid worsening trade relations, while the EU looks for stronger economic and security partnerships. The proposed status does not currently exist under EU rules, meaning Canada and the bloc would need to negotiate its terms.