Abstract:
European Commission President von der Leyen proposed that Canada become the EU's first "associate member state." She extended the invitation on Wednesday during her "State of the Union" address in Strasbourg, France, in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
“In this new world, we must urgently reimagine our partnerships and build global alliances to strengthen our resilience and democracy,” von der Leyen said. "I hope to work with you to open the door for Canada to become the first associate member of the European Union."
Carney warned earlier this year that the "rules-based international order" has effectively ceased to exist in name only, and has repeatedly called on so-called middle powers to unite against the pressure and intimidation tactics of the world's leading economies. Previous reports said that transatlantic countries are discussing the establishment of a new alliance to ensure security.
Von der Leyen also discussed closer cooperation with Canada in manufacturing, technology, defense and energy, and listed the Arctic as a "flagship joint project."
According to people familiar with the matter, Canada’s priorities include completing the ratification process of the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. The agreement was negotiated a decade ago but has yet to be formally ratified by 10 European countries.
Outstanding issues also include how to overcome EU differences over carbon pricing tools for imported goods and rules on deforestation and pesticides.
Unlike the UK, Canada can participate in the EU's SAFE scheme, the EU's 150 billion euro ($173 billion) loan program for defense procurement.
Canada and the European Union are expected to make progress ahead of a summit in Montreal in October, when the two sides may sign a digital trade deal currently in the works, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be named.
Comments