How EU leaders are reacting to Canada associate membership proposal
Aside from critical minerals, energy and defence equipment, European Union officials also hailed some of Canada's most popular exports - Celine Dion and TV show Heated Rivalry.
European leaders have welcomed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's proposal for the EU to invite Canada as its first ever "associate member." Spanish President Pedro Sanchez posted the EU flag, featuring a Canadian maple leaf, on his social media. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola welcomed Canada's "leadership" and said the EU can "build what comes next" together.
German MEP Damian Boeselager joked about Canada's famous exports and said the TV show Heated Rivalry is another reason for their "long-distance relationship." Terry Reintke, a Green Party MEP, wore a Team Canada hockey jersey and dubbed it "WELCOME BIENVENUE CANADA." German MEP Brend Lange proposed a "Swiss-style economic integration" between Canada and the EU, suggesting observers in the European Parliament.
EU President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the 75% increase in trade between Canada and the EU since the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was signed.
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Also reported by 4 other outlets
- Warm words on Canada's EU 'associate membership' but no guarantees bbc.co.uk
- All smiles in Strasbourg but uncertainty clouds Canada’s EU membership plan theguardian.com
- Australia could follow Canada as EU 'associate member', parliament president says abc.net.au
- How EU leaders are reacting to Canada associate membership proposal globalnews.ca
