EU leader asks Canada to be first close partner as Carney shakes hands

Prime Minister Mark Carney was in Strasbourg on Sept. 16, 2026, for Ursula von der Leyen's yearly address to EU lawmakers. Von der Leyen, who leads the EU's executive, suggested Canada become its first associate member — like a close teammate, not a full player. Carney was invited on stage to shake her hand as lawmakers clapped at length.