The European Union backs Canada's bid to become the bloc's first "associate member," as Brussels seeks closer ties with Ottawa and Trump calls the idea "laughable."

President Donald Trump called a proposal for Canada to join the EU as an associate member a “hostile act.”

BRUSSELS (AP) — By opening the door this week for Canada to become the first “associate member” of the European Union, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered Prime Minister Mark Carney hope, but also an illusion.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada the European Union’s first associate member, a striking overture as U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats drive Ottawa closer to Europe.

The president's threat comes as Canada seeks closer ties with Europe amid its deteriorating relationship with Washington.

The really surprising aspect of von der Leyen’s offer is the idea that Canada would be the EU’s “first” associate member, implying a new legal category. This would be unusual for a highly legalistic bureaucracy that has long preferred the routine application of familiar legal formats.

Canada is ambitiously pursuing becoming the European Union’s first associate member, according to Mark Carney during an overseas trip geared to deepening ties across the Atlantic.

The European Commission confirmed on Sept. 18 that Canada is in talks with the EU to participate in the bloc's 90 billion euro ($104 billion) loan to Ukraine, but reiterated that Canada also still needs to donate directly to Kyiv.