The European Union Wants Canada to Become Bloc's First 'Associate Member'

On Wednesday, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen invited Canada to work toward becoming the bloc’s first "associate member," in what she described as an "urgent" reimagining of partnerships.

"I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to being the first associate member of the European Union,” von der Leyen told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was present for the annual State of the European Union address at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. "We share one ocean, one set of values, one way of seeing the world. And we will now build our shared future as well—thank you for being here," said von der Leyen, specifying that this would be a "partnership not against anyone else, but for our common strength."

The burgeoning alliance comes as Carney aims to strengthen international ties amid a deepening trade war with the United States. Carney had previewed a new dawn for the E.U.-Canada relationship last week, telling reporters he was seeking a "unique alliance" with the 27-member bloc. The E.U. is also experiencing weakening ties with the U.S. due to ongoing conflict with the administration.

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