EU Considers Canada as First 'Associate Member'
Ursula von der Leyen backs proposals for closer ties as Canada faces tense US relations.
Quick Look
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen supports proposals for Canada to become the EU's first associate member, following a push by Prime Minister Mark Carney amid strained US trade relations.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sought a unique alliance with the EU amid tense relations and collapsed trade talks with the US.
The president of the European Commission has backed proposals for Canada to become the EU's first "associate member".
Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday she wanted to work on "opening the door" for Canada, which would involve closer ties on various key sectors.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney last week spoke of seeking a "unique alliance" with the EU, coming as he faces tense relations with the US and Donald Trump.
Without mentioning the US president by name, von der Leyen said offering Canada some sort of EU membership was "not a partnership against anyone else, but for our common strength."
She added: "Partnerships are a strategic choice for Europe. But they also respond to the fracture in the international rules-based system".
Carney was in attendance at the annual key note speech in Strasbourg, and is due to address the parliament on Thursday.
Trade talks between Canada and the US collapsed last month, sparking a series of new tariff measures.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Mark Carney to address the European Parliament.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- What specific terms will associate membership entail?
- How will Mark Carney address the European Parliament?
