Ahead of the State of the Union address, speculation is increasing about a possible strengthening of ties between Brussels and Ottawa that the Commission President could announce on Wednesday alongside the Canadian Prime Minister.

14 September 2026 | 14:04

READING: 2 minutes

For the European Union, Canada is “a great friend” and “a strategically important partner.” This was stressed by the Commission’s deputy chief spokesperson Olof Gill today during the press briefing in Brussels. Rumours have long circulated about a possible “special” partnership between the Union and Canada, both affected by tariffs imposed by the US under Donald Trump. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will be in Strasbourg this week to hear Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the Union address and to give his own speech in the chamber of the European Parliament.

Regarding the reports published by the Wall Street Journal about the partnership von der Leyen and Carney might announce (Ottawa would aim to become an associated member of the EU), Gill said he had no comment. “What I can reiterate from this podium,” he added, “is that Canada is a strategically important partner for the European Union and, in fact, a great friend. We deeply appreciate this cooperation.”

Gill also recalled that “during last year’s EU‐Canada summit, we set very ambitious objectives for comprehensive cooperation. This year our ambitions are even higher. I note that the next EU‐Canada summit will take place on 29 and 30 October. However, before that, Prime Minister Carney will be the guest of honour at the State of the Union (SOTEU) address that President von der Leyen will deliver this Wednesday. I am certain the President will have positive and meaningful words to express about EU‐Canada relations; we look forward to hearing her speech on Wednesday morning,” he concluded.