Ursula von der Leyen announced the enlargement of the European Union through Canada, she stated that Canada could not become a full member due to its geographical location, and proposed it instead as the first associate member. The idea is not an official joining but a partnership closer to full membership than any previous arrangement. This status was recently offered to Ukraine.

Ursula von der Leyen announced the enlargement of the European Union through Canada, she stated that Canada could not become a full member due to its geographical location, and proposed it instead as the first associate member. The idea is not an official joining but a partnership closer to full membership than any previous arrangement. This status was recently offered to Ukraine.