The EU is opening its doors to Canada by offering it the opportunity to become its first associate member.

Operativ Media reports that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this during her annual address to the European Union in Strasbourg, France.

"I want to work with you to make Canada the first associate member of the European Union," von der Leyen said in her speech, addressing Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Von der Leyen noted that Canada and the EU, building on their existing free trade agreement, will establish a partnership for a broader future aimed at creating a zone of shared prosperity and economic security.