European Commission President proposes associate membership for Canada
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has invited Canada to become the EU's first associate member to address shared geopolitical challenges. While outlets agree on the invitation, the BBC notes the move follows shifts in Canada's relations with the United States.
First reported 2 hours ago · latest update 1 hour ago
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.
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EU chief opens door for Canada to become 'associate member'
Canada is seeking closer ties with EU after a breakdown in relations with the US and its president Donald Trump.
1 hour agoCanada Could Become the E.U.’s First ‘Associate Member’
Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the bloc’s executive arm, has invited Ottawa closer as both sides look to navigate complicated geopolitical challenges.
1 hour ago · Jeanna Smialek and Matina Stevis-GridneffCanada could become 'first associate member' of EU, bloc's chief says
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union is opening the door for Canada to become the first associate member of the 27-nation bloc.
2 hours ago