European Commission President Proposes Canada's Possible Accession as First Associate Member to the EU
European Commission President calls for enhanced cooperation with Canada in technology, defense, and energy
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Brussels, September 16 (KUNA) -- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday floated the possibility of Canada becoming the EU’s first “associated member,” calling for enhanced cooperation between the two sides in technology, defense, and energy. In her annual address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on the state of the European Union, and in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, von der Leyen said, “The European Union and Canada need to strengthen their cooperation as democracies facing a crisis in the rules-based international order.” She added, “We will work on smart manufacturing, establish a technology alliance, integrate our defense industrial bases, and make the Arctic a leading joint project.” She noted that cooperation would also cover energy, critical minerals, batteries, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and economic security. Von der Leyen emphasized that “this partnership is not against any other party, but for our shared strength.” Carney is the first foreign head of government to attend the annual state-of-the-Union address, with his visit aimed at bolstering ties between Canada and the EU amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States, ahead of an upcoming summit between the two sides in Montreal next month. (End) A.R.N. / M.N.F.
