EU Proposes Associate Partnership With Canada
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed significantly deepening the European Union’s relationship with Canada, including exploring a path for Canada to become the bloc’s first “associate member”. The proposal came as she urged EU countries to strengthen unity amid growing geopolitical and economic pressures.
EU Proposes Deeper Partnership With Canada
Speaking during her annual State of the Union address in Strasbourg, von der Leyen said Europe needed reliable partners as it seeks greater independence in energy, critical raw materials and clean technologies.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the address as Ottawa pursues closer economic and strategic relations with Europe.
Von der Leyen said the EU wanted to take its relationship with Canada to the highest possible level and proposed examining a new form of associate membership rather than full membership of the bloc.
Europe Faces Russia, China and US Competition
Von der Leyen said the EU was operating in an increasingly difficult international environment shaped by Russia’s war against Ukraine and stronger economic competition involving China and the United States.
She argued that greater solidarity among the EU’s 27 member states was necessary if Europe wanted to strengthen its ability to act independently on security, trade and strategic industries.
EU Targets China Trade Imbalance
Von der Leyen also pledged action to reduce the European Union’s trade deficit with China, which she said averaged around €1 billion per day last year.
She described the imbalance as unsustainable and said Brussels would use available trade tools to rebalance economic relations.
Climate adaptation and clean technology were also identified as major priorities following severe heatwaves and wildfires across Europe.
