EU president wants Canada to become bloc's first associate member

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Wednesday her intention to open the door for Canada to become the first associate member of the EU. This proposal represents a significant policy shift for the bloc. By pursuing this new status for Canada, von der Leyen aims to redefine the relationship between the European Union and the North American nation, marking a historic change in how the EU integrates external partners into its structural framework.