EU Proposes Canada Becomes Bloc’s First ‘Associate Member’ as Old International Order Crumbles

Screenshot: cpac / Youtube

Brussels opened the door Wednesday to an unprecedented new relationship with Canada, proposing that Ottawa become the European Union’s first “associate member” as both sides appear to be looking for greater economic and strategic independence from the United States.

According to various media reports, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the idea with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sitting in the European Parliament chamber.

“We want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highe...