Canada to become first “Associate Member  of EU”

Canada has been invited to become the first “associate member” of the EU by the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen.

In an unprecedented offer, von der Leyen said on Wednesday that the EU and Canada “see the world with the same eyes” through shared democratic values and common approaches to many big issues, from AI to climate breakdown, the Ukraine war and geopolitics.

Speaking in the presence of  Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, at the European parliament in Strasbourg, she said: “We want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible. We must urgently reimagine our partnerships. So, I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU.”

Carney, who is due to address the parliament on Thursday, has called for a “unique alliance” with the EU as Canada seeks to reduce its heavy dependence on US trade.

He later tweeted: “Canada and the EU are natural partners, united by shared values. With President von der Leyen and [the European parliament] President [Roberta] Metsola, we focused on what comes next: a deeper partnership that reinforces our mutual sovereignty to create more opportunities and prosperity for our peoples.”

Von der Leyen said the existing EU-Canada trade deal would be upgraded to an “alliance for the future” to create a “common prosperity and economic security space”.