EU chief von der Leyen proposes ‘associate member’ status for Canada

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed that Canada become the first 'associate member' of the European Union during her speech at the European Parliament. This proposal follows Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's expression of a desire for a 'unique alliance' with the EU. Von der Leyen emphasized the need to strengthen EU-Canada relations, focusing on sectors such as manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and energy.