Canada invited to become EU’s first ‘associate member’ as Trump trade war intensifies
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc wants to open the door for Canada to become its first associate member, signaling a major deepening of ties.
TL;DR
- The EU is proposing Canada become its first associate member.
- This signals a significant deepening of ties between the EU and Canada.
- The goal is to move from the CETA trade agreement to a future alliance for common prosperity and economic security.
- The EU and Canada plan to collaborate on artificial intelligence, climate change, geopolitics, and Arctic security.
- This move is partly seen as a way for the EU to reduce dependence on the U.S. and China.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed interest in a unique security and economic alliance, not full membership.
- The EU has previously been hesitant about flexible membership categories.