European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this week that Canada could become the first “associate member” of the European Union.

The offer gave Prime Minister Mark Carney hope, but it may also be an illusion.

Associate membership does not currently exist, so its meaning is unclear.

The offer still counts as a win for Carney, who is in a trade war with U.S. President Donald Trump.

It also gives the EU a firm partnership with another Western democracy.

Von der Leyen said the EU must urgently reimagine its partnerships in what she called “this new world.”

Association Agreements do exist, and more than 20 countries already have them with the EU.

These treaties cover trade and security and are seen as a step toward membership.

It is unclear how von der Leyen’s idea would differ, or whether Canada would need such a treaty first.

Any such decision requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU members, and von der Leyen did not consult widely.

Germany welcomed the idea but had reservations about the name, a government spokesperson said.

Ireland’s foreign affairs minister said her government was ready to explore associate membership for Canada.

Carney welcomed the invitation but said the substance matters most.

He said Canada is not seeking full EU membership.

Trump suggested the move could be a “hostile act” and threatened heavier tariffs on Europe.