The European Union (EU) has proposed that Canada become its first associate member

 

Ursula von der Leyen, Roberta Metsola, and Mark Carney (Photo: Yves Herman / Reuters)

The European Union has proposed that Canada become the bloc's first associate member. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made this proposal during her annual State of the Union address at the European Parliament, Euronews reports.

"I would like to discuss with you the possibility of opening the door for Canada to become the first associate member of the EU," von der Leyen said.

She noted that the EU and Canada are already cooperating on issues regarding Ukraine, defense, raw materials, and supply chains. The two sides intend to move toward a closer partnership and create a "shared space of prosperity and economic security."

Von der Leyen also proposed expanding cooperation in areas such as high technology, the defense industry, the Arctic, critical minerals, battery production, artificial intelligence, and quantum cybersecurity.