EU Chief Proposes Canada as First 'Associate Member'

7:18 AM ETConfirmed

Business Desk

In Short: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed Canada as the EU's first 'associate member' during her State of the Union address.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed Canada as the EU's first 'associate member' during her State of the Union address on Wednesday.

Von der Leyen emphasized that the move was not a partnership against any other country, but rather for the common strength of Europe and Canada.

Von der Leyen specifically addressed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, stating her intention to work with him on opening the door for Canada's associate membership.

The proposal comes amid strained relations between Canada and the United States, following the collapse of trade talks and the imposition of new tariffs.

Von der Leyen also outlined plans for a European Security Council, which would include Canada, the UK, and Ukraine, to address common threats from Russia and economic pressure from China.

The EU chief stressed the importance of deepening economic and security ties with Canada, especially in light of growing threats and less reliable support from the US.

Von der Leyen noted that the EU and Canada had already strengthened their relationship through the SAFE defence programme, allowing Canadian companies access to joint procurement.

Von der Leyen emphasized that the partnership was a strategic choice for Europe, highlighting the importance of democracy and shared values.

She also addressed concerns about the cost of living and the impact of technology on jobs and society, alongside global threats.

What this adds

The proposal for Canada to become an 'associate member' of the EU does not currently exist and could take years to implement.

The EU and its member states must set out a clear political vision and take concrete actions to sustain the deepening partnership with Canada.

Canada's relationship with the US has become strained under President Trump, leading to an escalating tariff war and threats of annexation.

Background

Portugal's national team coach Jorge Jesus says Cristiano Ronaldo can return if he wishes, despite the player's recent exit from the squad.

What's confirmed

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.
Carney's new love-in with EU has everything to do with Trump Von der Leyen told the EU's State of the Union address that the bloc and Canada "see the world with the same eyes", including on topics ranging from AI, to climate change and geopolitics.
"For a long time, we have discussed a leaders' format focused on the security of our continent, with partners like Canada, Norway, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and others involved," she said in the wide-ranging address.
The president of the European Commission has backed proposals for Canada to become the EU's first "associate member".
Trade talks between Canada and the US collapsed last month, sparking a series of new tariff measures.
The move comes as Canada seeks to reduce its heavy dependence on the United States, which takes about 70 per cent of Canadian exports, and as Carney has called for a "unique alliance" with the EU.
She said Canada and the EU would build on their existing free trade agreement, known as CETA, with a broader "Alliance for the Future" aimed at creating "a common prosperity and economic security space".
"Above all, dear Mark, Europe and Canada believe in democracy," von der Leyen said.
Without mentioning US President Donald Trump 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".

What's still developing

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Since late August, the Canadians have been pushing hard for the Europeans to build a closer relationship with them, though full EU membership is not an option as Canada is not a European state.
Canada has hit back at US tariffs and rejected trade terms that, Carney says, would weaken its sovereignty.
Read more: Carney tells Trump 'stop trying to be tough' In her annual speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, she said strong partners like Canada would help achieve these goals.
Von der Leyen said it was time to bring the EU's relationship with Canada to "the highest level possible" Both she and other European leaders have found a reliable ally in Carney as they deal with similar problems.
Trump's repeated talk of making Canada a "51st state" has also helped to fuel the feud between the North American neighbours.
But "associate membership" of the EU does not currently exists and the process, if agreed, could take years.
When asked about the plan, Trump called it "laughable".
Von der Leyen said it was time to bring the EU's relationship with Canada to "the highest level possible" Setting out the EU's political and policy priorities for the year ahead, von der Leyen also proposed the formation of a European Security Council, which would include the UK and Ukraine, amid an ongoing threat to the continent from Russia.
The EU chief said it would be a "mechanism to flank" Article 4, a term that could be interpreted as complementing Nato functions or - if taken in a military context - bypassing them.
"And we have stood together: on Ukraine, on defence, on raw materials and on supply chains. But above all... Europe and Canada believe in democracy."
Yet several obstacles stand in the way of Canada’s closer integration with the EU.

Sources

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WarpBeat — background on Portugal Coach Opens Door for Ronaldo's Return link