<
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/16/von-der-leyen-mark-carney-canada-eu-first-associate-member>
"Canada has been invited to become the first “associate member” of the EU by
the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen.
In an unprecedented offer, von der Leyen said on Wednesday that the EU and
Canada “see the world with the same eyes” through shared democratic values and
common approaches to many big issues, from AI to climate breakdown, the Ukraine
war and geopolitics.
Speaking in the presence of the Canadian prime minister, Mark Carney, at the
European parliament in Strasbourg, she said: “We want to bring the relationship
with Canada to the highest level possible. We must urgently reimagine our
partnerships. So, I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada
to be the first associate member of the EU.”
Carney, who is due to address the parliament on Thursday, has called for a
“unique alliance” with the EU as Canada seeks to reduce its heavy dependence on
US trade.
He later tweeted: “Canada and the EU are natural partners, united by shared
values.”
The EU and Canada are due to hold a summit in late October to develop the
future relationship."
Via Susan ****
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
