European Commission proposes to make Canada the first associate member of the EU

The European Union will invite Canada to become the first associate member, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

“We urgently need to rethink our partnerships. I want to discuss the possibility of opening the doors to Canada so that it becomes the first associate member of the EU, von der Leyen said at a speech in the European Parliament.

The proposal of the head of the EC announced Politico. Sources said Ms von der Leyen would offer Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney "something concrete" during her annual message to the European Parliament. Mr Carney said Ottawa planned to start talks on a "unique alliance" with Brussels.