European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed opening the door for Canada to become the bloc’s first “associate member”, with closer cooperation expected in areas including technology, defence, energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence and Arctic development. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also been pursuing stronger ties with Europe amid trade tensions with Washington.
The proposal remains at an early stage and would require support from EU member states before any formal arrangement could be established. EU treaties do not currently define an “associate member” status, meaning the scope and legal structure of the plan would still have to be worked out.
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The European Commission says its proposed closer alliance with Canada is not directed against the United States, after President Donald Trump threatened tariffs over the plan. The European Commission has said its proposal to deepen ties with Canada is not aimed at the United States, after US President Donald Trump threatened possible tariffs or trade restrictions if the...
Key takeaways
- The European Commission says its proposed closer alliance with Canada is not directed against the United States, after President Donald Trump threatened tariffs over the plan.
- The European Commission has said its proposal to deepen ties with Canada is not aimed at the United States, after US President Donald Trump threatened possible tariffs or trade restrictions if the arrangement were considered hostile.
- Commission trade spokesperson Olof Gill said the initiative was intended to strengthen EU-Canada cooperation rather than target any third country.European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed opening the door for Canada to become the bloc’s first “associate member”, with closer cooperation expected in areas including technology, defence, energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence and Arctic development.
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The European Commission says its proposed closer alliance with Canada is not directed against the United States, after President Donald Trump threatened tariffs over the plan. The European Commission has said its proposal to deepen ties with Canada is not aimed at the United States, after US President Donald Trump threatened possible tariffs or trade restrictions if the...
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Glow 99.1 FM published this story with OYEBODE OLUWAFEMI EMMANUEL listed as author.
When was it published?
September 17, 2026
