Von der Leyen to stay for Carney’s speech in Strasbourg — Politico Europe
In Strasbourg, France, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will stay for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speech at the European Parliament. She had previously planned to return to Brussels after her State of the European Union address and could have missed the Canadian prime minister’s speech, although he is due to attend her address the day before.
As Politico Europe reports, von der Leyen’s team announced the change of plans on Monday evening. Canada’s designated ambassador to the EU, Jonathan Wilkinson, confirmed that Ottawa had asked the European Commission president to attend Carney’s speech.
Reaction in the European Parliament
The meeting between von der Leyen and Carney was initially due to take place in Strasbourg on Tuesday, but was moved to Wednesday, an unnamed EU official said. According to the official, the participants in the meeting will spend an additional night in the city due to scheduling coordination.
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Von der Leyen’s previous plans to miss Carney’s speech prompted reactions among members of the European Parliament and EU officials. Belgian MEP Kathleen Van Brempt called it unacceptable. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said it is not customary for the European Commission president to remain in Strasbourg the day after her speech, but acknowledged that the decision had raised questions.
Discussions on Canada-EU relations
The situation is unfolding amid efforts by Brussels and Ottawa to deepen cooperation. Carney presents himself as the leader of a coalition of middle-power states opposing large countries that use hard power, including the United States.
At the same time, discussions are underway about a possible new format for Canada’s relations with the EU. The Wall Street Journal reported that Ottawa had discussed associate membership, which could provide for visa-free travel and Canadians’ right to work in the EU. Carney, however, denied seeking such a status, stating his intention to create a unique alliance with the European Union. A senior Canadian official, speaking to Politico on condition of anonymity, said that the term “associate membership” had been proposed by the European side, although no such status exists in the EU.
