EU floats plan for Canada to become first associate member

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has outlined plans to work toward a possible associate member framework for Canada, saying the European Union needs to urgently rethink its partnerships at a time of growing geopolitical and economic pressure.

“I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to become the first associate member of the EU,” von der Leyen told Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during a speech in Strasbourg on Wednesday.

“We share an ocean, a set of values and a way of seeing the world. And now we will also build our shared future,” she said.

The comments came during von der Leyen’s annual State of the Union address, in which she presented plans to strengthen the EU economy and addressed issues ranging from agriculture and climate policy to relations with China.

Von der Leyen said licensing and financing can determine where investments are made, adding that the EU needs to move much faster on permitting processes.

She also said the bloc needs a pact against regulatory overreach if authorities are serious about simplifying rules. The term refers to cases in which governments add extra restrictions or requirements beyond existing rules.

Source: Valor Econômico

Sharing is caring!