EU - Canada: Standing ovation for Mark Carney at European Parliament
"I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU," von der Leyen told the Canadian prime minister, who was attending her annual keynote speech -- drawing a standing ovation in the chamber.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed her intention to work with Canada to make Canada the EU's first associate member during her annual speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. In her speech, she emphasized the need to maintain European independence in areas such as energy, raw materials, and clean technologies, highlighting the importance of having strong partners like Canada.
Von der Leyen, now in her second five-year term, also called for EU states to face challenges like climate change, competition from China, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. She stressed the necessity of solidarity among EU member states to tackle these issues. Von der Leyen acknowledged the EU's current state of strength and vulnerability, acknowledging the increasing popularity of eurosceptic far-right groups and opinion polls indicating Marine Le Pen as the frontrunner for the French presidential election.
She pledged that the EU will use every possible means to reduce its unsustainable trade deficit with China and remains committed to mitigating climate change while stepping up efforts to adapt to its consequences.
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