According to AFP news agency, European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen on September 16 proposed that Canada become the first "linked member" of the European Union (EU), and called on the two sides to expand cooperation in technology, defense and energy.
Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Ms. von der Leyen said that the EU and Canada need to strengthen relations in the context that democracies are facing "breaks in the rule-based international system".
I want to cooperate with you to open the door for Canada to become the first EU ally," Ms. von der Leyen told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Mr. Carney is promoting closer relations with the EU, while both Canada and the EU are seeking to reduce dependence on the US under President Donald Trump.
Mr. Carney is the first foreign government leader to attend the annual speech on "The Situation in the European Union". The visit is expected to create more momentum for the EU-Canada summit scheduled to take place in Montreal next month.
Ms. von der Leyen said that the EU and Canada need to expand cooperation from trade to a "union for the future", while bringing bilateral relations to a new level.
According to her, the two sides can cooperate in many fields such as smart manufacturing, technology, defense industry. Energy, important minerals, batteries, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and economic security are also on this list.
This is not a relationship aimed at opposing any party, but for our common strength," Ms. von der Leyen said.
EU treaties currently do not stipulate the status of "affiliated party". This idea was put forward by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz this year, in the context of Ukraine promoting the EU accession process.
According to Mr. Merz's proposal, Ukraine can attend EU summits and have representatives in the European Commission. This country may also enjoy a part of the EU budget but does not have full voting rights.
The EU and Canada currently have significant economic relations. The CETA Free Trade Agreement, which almost all tariffs are abolished, is said to have helped trade in goods and services between the two sides increase by more than 80% since 2016.
This year, Canada also became the first non-EU country to participate in a key defense lending program of the bloc.
