EU chief Ursula von der Leyen says she wants Canada to become the bloc’s 1st associate member

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada the first associate member of the EU. This initiative aims to integrate Ottawa deeper into Europe's economic and security architecture. Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for a unique alliance to reduce Canada's dependence on the United States, which currently receives approximately 70% of its exports. The move reflects a strategic effort to build independent supply chains and markets to minimize vulnerability to Washington's trade policies.