Canada could become ‘first associate member’ of EU, bloc’s chief says
Von der Leyen said the EU will work with Canada on a broader alliance covering trade, technology, defense and the Arctic.
- On Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed that Canada become the European Union's first "associate member" during her State of the European Union address in Strasbourg, France.
- This overture follows a historic breakdown in Canada-U.S. trade relations last month, as President Donald Trump's tariffs and rhetoric about making Canada the 51st state pushed Ottawa to seek closer European ties.
- Von der Leyen stated the EU and Canada will build on their existing CETA agreement by creating an "Alliance for the Future" aimed at establishing "a common prosperity and economic security space."
- Receiving a standing ovation from European lawmakers on Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to address the European Parliament on Thursday regarding this "unique alliance."
- Responding to a "fracture in the international rules-based system," von der Leyen noted the partnership is "not against anyone else" to avoid antagonizing the United States.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Ursula von der Leyen has put Europe's independence, competitiveness and adaptation to a rapidly changing geopolitical environment at the heart of her year in the EU. The European Commission President announced new steps in a range of areas, from reducing energy dependency and reforming the single market to climate adaptation and a new EU budget. Particular emphasis was placed on bringing down energy prices, cutting red tape and strengthening the…
Von der Leyen wants to make the relationship with Canada as close as possible, she says in a speech.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen says she wants Canada to become the bloc's 1st associate member
STRASBOURG, France (AP) — European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Wednesday that she wants to open the door for Canada to become the European Union’s first associate member.
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