Strasbourg: Von der Leyen proposes Canada become an associate member of the EU

STRASBOURG, 16 September /ATSH-DPA/ – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed that Canada become an associate member of the European Union, a status that currently does not exist in the EU treaties.

Speaking in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, where Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was also present, von der Leyen said the EU and Canada should build an alliance to create a shared space of prosperity and economic security.

She said the new cooperation would cover strategic sectors such as manufacturing, technology and artificial intelligence, the defence industry, engagement in the Arctic region, energy and critical minerals.

“Europe and Canada believe in democracy. Power no longer belongs to the strongest, the richest or those who speak the loudest, but to all of us,” Von der Leyen declared.

“We urgently need to rethink our partnerships. That is why I would like to work with you to open the door for Canada to become the EU’s first associate member,” she added.

The European Commission president’s statement was welcomed with a standing ovation by part of the European lawmakers.

For his part, Carney stated earlier this week that Canada aims to build a unique alliance with the European Union.

However, associate member status does not currently exist in the EU’s legal framework, and creating such a formula would require defining a new legal and political framework.

Canada and the EU already have close trade relations through the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Ottawa has recently sought to strengthen ties with European partners, at a time when trade relations with the United States have become strained.