In discussing the idea of Canada’s associate membership of the European Union, the European Commission used rhetoric reminiscent of the famous phrases of former US President Donald Trump. The European Commission’s Deputy Chief Spokesperson, Olof Gill, described this initiative as a ‘big, bold, wonderful idea’, emphasising that such moments in history open up new opportunities that previously seemed out of reach.
This phrasing is reminiscent of Trump’s rhetoric, as he was fond of using such phrases to describe his major initiatives. For example, one of his major legislative proposals, covering a wide range of topics from taxation to defence, was dubbed the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ and signed on US Independence Day, 4 July 2025.
The idea of Canada’s associate membership of the EU, proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is indeed ambitious and innovative. This could be the first time that a country not located on the European continent has been granted such status. Such a decision could open up new horizons for international cooperation and strengthen ties between Europe and North America.
In this way, the European Commission is demonstrating its readiness to take bold steps on the international stage, using striking rhetoric to draw attention to its initiatives and emphasise their significance. It is expected that discussions on this idea may spark both lively discussions and serious debates both within the European Union and beyond.