European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has said the European Union wants to open the door for Canada to become its first associate member, signalling a major deepening of ties between the bloc and Ottawa.

According to CNBC, von der Leyen’s comments point to the EU’s ambition to elevate its relationship with Canada to a level not previously offered to a non-member state. Speaking about the partnership, she said the EU wants to ‘move the partnership with Canada to the highest level possible’, as reported by the Guardian.

The BBC reported that Canada is seeking closer ties with the EU following a breakdown in relations with the United States and its president, Donald Trump. The shift suggests Ottawa is looking to diversify its international partnerships.

Von der Leyen framed the move within a broader push to strengthen Europe’s economy. ‘Kickstarting Europe’s economy is our number one priority,’ she said, according to the Guardian, adding that Europe needs to tap into its huge market, world-class industries and services.

She also said the EU’s single market remains too fragmented and needs further reform, setting a target of completing it by the end of next year. The remarks tied the potential Canada partnership to wider ambitions for European economic integration.

In her comments, von der Leyen also warned about threats to European democracies, saying: ‘Do we want to rally around our European idea that together we can decide our own destiny? Or do we let our democracies be undermined by the proxies and puppets of authoritarians?’ She pointed to ultra-nationalist and anti-European forces, as well as Russian interference and disinformation, saying that while ‘the names may be different, their goal is the same.’