The European Union is actively seeking to strengthen relationships with allies as the global landscape grows increasingly complex. During her State of the Union address in September, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Canada as a key partner in this effort. Specifically, the EU is considering Canada for a novel “associate member” status, a designation currently without precedent amongst its international partners. This potential arrangement signals a deepening of the relationship between Brussels and Ottawa. The move reflects the EU’s desire to build a strong network of like-minded nations. Details of what this associate membership would entail remain to be negotiated, but it represents a significant shift in the EU’s partnership model.