EU chief opens door for Canada to become ‘associate member’

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, has expressed her support for Canada to become the EU's first "associate member". She stated her intention to work on opening the door for Canada, which would entail closer ties across various crucial sectors. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney previously mentioned his desire for a "unique alliance" with the EU, a sentiment that has grown amid strained relations with the US and Donald Trump.

Von der Leyen clarified that such a proposal for Canada is not a partnership against other nations, but rather for the collective strength of Europe. She added that partnerships are a strategic choice for Europe and also respond to the fracture in the international rules-based system. Carney, who attended the annual keynote speech in Strasbourg, is scheduled to address the parliament on Thursday.

The trade talks between Canada and the US recently came to an end, leading to the implementation of new tariff measures. Von der Leyen highlighted during the EU's State of the Union address that Canada and the EU share similar perspectives on matters such as AI, climate change, and geopolitics. They have also stood together on issues related to Ukraine, defense, raw materials, and supply chains.

Notably, both regions believe in democracy. The EU proposal also includes energy, critical minerals, batteries, AI, cyber, and economic security as key areas of collaboration. This move follows similar trade tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on EU members. Von der Leyen also proposed the creation of a European Security Council, which would include the UK, Ukraine, and other partners, in response to the ongoing threat from Russia.

She emphasized that discussions on a leaders' format focused on the security of the continent have been ongoing for a long time and are now more pressing due to the escalating risks.