Von der Leyen voices idea of Canada’s associate membership in the EU — France 24
Canada could become the first associate member of the European Union if an idea voiced by European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen in her State of the Union speech is implemented. As France 24 English reports, she did not explain what the format of such a partnership might be.
Reaction of the European press
According to Euractiv, von der Leyen said that such a union is not directed against other parties, but should be based on the shared strengths of Canada and the EU. The outlet also recalled that she had previously voiced a similar idea regarding Ukraine, which did not receive significant support among EU member states.
The French newspaper l’Humanité wrote ironically that Ursula von der Leyen has no oil, but she does have ideas. The New York Times linked the possible rapprochement between Canada and the EU to the diplomatic course of US President Donald Trump. In the outlet’s view, even a symbolic gesture by the EU would indicate changes in international relations.
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The Belgian newspaper Le Soir called the potential partnership a new transatlantic alliance. Britain’s The Guardian suggested that Canada’s possible associate membership could become a model for future relations between the EU and the United Kingdom. The newspaper also drew attention to Canada’s reserves of minerals and rare earth elements.
Skepticism in Canadian media
According to France 24, the Canadian press reacted skeptically to the idea. Le Devoir raised the question of what Canada could gain from such an alliance. The opposition leader, the outlet notes, has already called the idea a threat to Canadian sovereignty.
The Globe and Mail noted that Canada signed a trade agreement with the EU ten years ago, but it has still not been ratified by 10 of the bloc’s 27 member states.
