The EU's bid to offer Canada associate membership collapsed on the opening day of the Montreal summit following pushback from key European capitals.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada the EU's first associate member, prompting debate and a warning of heavy tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed proposals for Canada to become an associate member of the European Union as trade tensions with the United States escalate.