Canada has been invited by the EU to become its first associate member, which would allow it to apply for full membership after five years of experience.

Canada invited to become the first “associate member” of the EU. https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2026/09/16/canada-to-become-first-associate-member-of-the-eu

Canada has been invited to become an associate country of the EU, which means they’ll be able to apply for full membership with five years hands on experience as a country