India, Sept. 16 -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Wednesday that the European Union is opening the door for Canada to become the first associate member of the bloc, marking a significant change in EU policy and signalling a major deepening of ties between Brussels and Ottawa.

The move represents a dramatic geopolitical pivot as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pivots towards Europe amid an escalating trade war with US President Donald Trump.

Speaking in her annual State of the Union address in Strasbourg, France, von der Leyen said the bloc wants to bring the relationship with Canada "to the highest level possible". The initiative emerged as the traditional North American alliance fractures under the wei...