EU offers Canada associate membership
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Ursula von der Leyen offered to make Canada the European Union’s first “associate member” during her State of the Union speech in Strasbourg, addressing Prime Minister Mark Carney.
by Matthew Lebo
The new Chunnel is going to be awesome.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen tells Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that she wants to open the door for Canada to become the European Union’s first associate member.
September 16, 2026 at 3:43 PM
The new Chunnel is going to be awesome.
Anyway. I'm a total europhile. Love the castles, democracy, and pastries.
Closer co-operation, sure! Full EU Membership no.
Associate membership? See what it means and decide.
(I can only wonder what Ukraine, Morocco, Turkey, and all the other EU-aspirants think of this "Associate" stuff.)
Closer co-operation, sure! Full EU Membership no.
Associate membership? See what it means and decide.
(I can only wonder what Ukraine, Morocco, Turkey, and all the other EU-aspirants think of this "Associate" stuff.)
September 16, 2026 at 3:20 PM
Anyway. I'm a total europhile. Love the castles, democracy, and pastries.
Closer co-operation, sure! Full EU Membership no.
Associate membership? See what it means and decide.
(I can only wonder what Ukraine, Morocco, Turkey, and all the other EU-aspirants think of this "Associate" stuff.)
Closer co-operation, sure! Full EU Membership no.
Associate membership? See what it means and decide.
(I can only wonder what Ukraine, Morocco, Turkey, and all the other EU-aspirants think of this "Associate" stuff.)
by Nicolai von Ondarza Reposted by Ben Tonra
Mark Carney certainly sounds like the most pro-European head of government at the moment:
The EU has delivered greater stability across the continent, greater mobility for its citizens, and a single market that gives Europe global economic weight.
An honour to hear President von der Leyen address the European Parliament today as we build a deeper partnership for the future.
An honour to hear President von der Leyen address the European Parliament today as we build a deeper partnership for the future.
September 16, 2026 at 2:59 PM
Mark Carney certainly sounds like the most pro-European head of government at the moment:
Reposted by Nicolai von Ondarza
The EU has delivered greater stability across the continent, greater mobility for its citizens, and a single market that gives Europe global economic weight.
An honour to hear President von der Leyen address the European Parliament today as we build a deeper partnership for the future.
An honour to hear President von der Leyen address the European Parliament today as we build a deeper partnership for the future.
September 16, 2026 at 2:57 PM
The EU has delivered greater stability across the continent, greater mobility for its citizens, and a single market that gives Europe global economic weight.
An honour to hear President von der Leyen address the European Parliament today as we build a deeper partnership for the future.
An honour to hear President von der Leyen address the European Parliament today as we build a deeper partnership for the future.
Reposted by Alan Richardson
Ursula von der Leyen: “The two sides would work on intelligent manufacturing, create a technology alliance, integrate defence production, make the Arctic a “flagship joint project,” and pursue deals on energy, critical minerals, batteries, AI, quantum science and economic security”
September 16, 2026 at 2:33 PM
Ursula von der Leyen: “The two sides would work on intelligent manufacturing, create a technology alliance, integrate defence production, make the Arctic a “flagship joint project,” and pursue deals on energy, critical minerals, batteries, AI, quantum science and economic security”
Reposted by Nicolai von Ondarza, Jill Rutter
But the fact that "associate membership" doesn't have precedent can play to von der Leyen's and Carney's advantage. They can develop a tailor-made concept that responds to each other's needs, falls outside the EU treaties framework and secures backing from all 27 member states.
September 16, 2026 at 1:46 PM
But the fact that "associate membership" doesn't have precedent can play to von der Leyen's and Carney's advantage. They can develop a tailor-made concept that responds to each other's needs, falls outside the EU treaties framework and secures backing from all 27 member states.
Reposted by Steve Peers
Canadians encountering EU politics for the first time:
"So the French and Germans oppose any move they perceive as von der Leyen empire building?"
"Yeah, but only after spending five days prior leaking anonymous, confusing details to any media outlet that will listen"
"So the French and Germans oppose any move they perceive as von der Leyen empire building?"
"Yeah, but only after spending five days prior leaking anonymous, confusing details to any media outlet that will listen"
Man Explaining Conspiracy Theory
ALT: Man Explaining Conspiracy Theory
static.klipy.com
September 16, 2026 at 1:40 PM
Canadians encountering EU politics for the first time:
"So the French and Germans oppose any move they perceive as von der Leyen empire building?"
"Yeah, but only after spending five days prior leaking anonymous, confusing details to any media outlet that will listen"
"So the French and Germans oppose any move they perceive as von der Leyen empire building?"
"Yeah, but only after spending five days prior leaking anonymous, confusing details to any media outlet that will listen"
Less 'EU wants', more Commission President 'would like to work... on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU."
Any decision on conferring such a status would rest with the member states... and almost certainly require unanimity...
www.politico.eu/article/eu-w...
Any decision on conferring such a status would rest with the member states... and almost certainly require unanimity...
www.politico.eu/article/eu-w...
EU wants Canada to become ‘associate member,’ von der Leyen says
European Commission president proposes a new “Alliance for the Future” to build on existing trade EU-Canada trade agreement.
www.politico.eu
September 16, 2026 at 1:13 PM
Less 'EU wants', more Commission President 'would like to work... on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU."
Any decision on conferring such a status would rest with the member states... and almost certainly require unanimity...
www.politico.eu/article/eu-w...
Any decision on conferring such a status would rest with the member states... and almost certainly require unanimity...
www.politico.eu/article/eu-w...
Reposted by Luca Rossi
The State of the Union speech is over. Here’s what stood out.
In this special edition from Strasbourg, we give our first take on Ursula von der Leyen’s agenda — from AI and defense to Ukraine and an "independent Europe."
Brussels Playbook has the scoop👇
www.politico.eu/podcast/brus...
In this special edition from Strasbourg, we give our first take on Ursula von der Leyen’s agenda — from AI and defense to Ukraine and an "independent Europe."
Brussels Playbook has the scoop👇
www.politico.eu/podcast/brus...
Special episode: State of the EU 2026 — promises vs. reality
In this special episode from Strasbourg, Zoya Sheftalovich and Ian Wishart give their first take on the State of the European Union speech delivered by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Th…
www.politico.eu
September 16, 2026 at 12:54 PM
The State of the Union speech is over. Here’s what stood out.
In this special edition from Strasbourg, we give our first take on Ursula von der Leyen’s agenda — from AI and defense to Ukraine and an "independent Europe."
Brussels Playbook has the scoop👇
www.politico.eu/podcast/brus...
In this special edition from Strasbourg, we give our first take on Ursula von der Leyen’s agenda — from AI and defense to Ukraine and an "independent Europe."
Brussels Playbook has the scoop👇
www.politico.eu/podcast/brus...
Today, EU commission president Ursula Von der Leyen proposed an “associate membership” to Canada in her State of the Union speech.
At 8:30 I will be on the @cbcnews.ca Morning Live Show to explain what this may mean.
At 8:30 I will be on the @cbcnews.ca Morning Live Show to explain what this may mean.
September 16, 2026 at 12:08 PM
Today, EU commission president Ursula Von der Leyen proposed an “associate membership” to Canada in her State of the Union speech.
At 8:30 I will be on the @cbcnews.ca Morning Live Show to explain what this may mean.
At 8:30 I will be on the @cbcnews.ca Morning Live Show to explain what this may mean.
Interesting graph. Matches my impression that the AI section was amongst the longest and most pronounced. Still felt out of character to hear von der Leyen use the tech bro language of 'pacing the frontier' and the 'Hugging-Face incident':
SOTEU speeches represent a good indicator of Europe's policy priorities. Here it is a quick overview of how priority areas have evolved since 2020. Tomorrow at 14:00-15:00 CET we will unpack the speech with Bruegel colleagues in a live podcast - link here: www.bruegel.org/event/sound-...
September 16, 2026 at 11:52 AM
Interesting graph. Matches my impression that the AI section was amongst the longest and most pronounced. Still felt out of character to hear von der Leyen use the tech bro language of 'pacing the frontier' and the 'Hugging-Face incident':
Reposted by Andrew Novak
EU capitals caught off guard as von der Leyen announces ‘associate membership’ for Canada. Further alignment than currently planned would create new issues around steel, cars, genetically modified crops and other substantive issues, diplomats said. www.politico.eu/article/eu-c... @politico.eu
EU capitals caught off guard as von der Leyen announces ‘associate membership’ for Canada
Further alignment than currently planned would create new issues around steel, cars, genetically modified crops and other substantive issues, diplomats said.
www.politico.eu
September 16, 2026 at 11:11 AM
EU capitals caught off guard as von der Leyen announces ‘associate membership’ for Canada. Further alignment than currently planned would create new issues around steel, cars, genetically modified crops and other substantive issues, diplomats said. www.politico.eu/article/eu-c... @politico.eu
#Politics #Economy #Trump
From #Bloomberg via Yahoo Finance: Stable genius Trump's tariffs have resulted in #Canada being invited to join the European Union as an "associate member."
finance.yahoo.com/economy/poli...
From #Bloomberg via Yahoo Finance: Stable genius Trump's tariffs have resulted in #Canada being invited to join the European Union as an "associate member."
finance.yahoo.com/economy/poli...
EU Proposes Canada Become the Bloc’s First ‘Associate Member’
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed Canada becoming the first associate member of the European Union.
finance.yahoo.com
September 16, 2026 at 10:47 AM
#Politics #Economy #Trump
From #Bloomberg via Yahoo Finance: Stable genius Trump's tariffs have resulted in #Canada being invited to join the European Union as an "associate member."
finance.yahoo.com/economy/poli...
From #Bloomberg via Yahoo Finance: Stable genius Trump's tariffs have resulted in #Canada being invited to join the European Union as an "associate member."
finance.yahoo.com/economy/poli...
VdLeyen's #SOTEU proposes a European Security Council -
I feel for the poor students struggling already with the difference between the European Council, the Council of the EU and the Council of Europe 😉
I feel for the poor students struggling already with the difference between the European Council, the Council of the EU and the Council of Europe 😉
September 16, 2026 at 10:46 AM
VdLeyen's #SOTEU proposes a European Security Council -
I feel for the poor students struggling already with the difference between the European Council, the Council of the EU and the Council of Europe 😉
I feel for the poor students struggling already with the difference between the European Council, the Council of the EU and the Council of Europe 😉
Has she lost the very last of her remaining marbles? Ms von der Leyen offered Canada associate membership of the EU. That would have been fine if it were not for a tiny little snag: there is no such thing as associate membership of the EU! www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...
www.telegraph.co.uk
September 16, 2026 at 10:02 AM
Has she lost the very last of her remaining marbles? Ms von der Leyen offered Canada associate membership of the EU. That would have been fine if it were not for a tiny little snag: there is no such thing as associate membership of the EU! www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2...
Ukraine will be invited to join a new European Security Council proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The forum would bring together EU leaders and like-minded partners in response to escalating Russian hybrid attacks and worsening transatlantic relations. #Ukraine
September 16, 2026 at 9:50 AM
Ukraine will be invited to join a new European Security Council proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The forum would bring together EU leaders and like-minded partners in response to escalating Russian hybrid attacks and worsening transatlantic relations. #Ukraine
This State of the Union produced a familiar feeling: déjà vu, well-intentioned and naïve, as only we Europeans can be.
It offered incremental progress where the moment demands a quantum leap.
Read my latest on #SOTEU albertoalemanno.substack.com/p/europes-gr...
It offered incremental progress where the moment demands a quantum leap.
Read my latest on #SOTEU albertoalemanno.substack.com/p/europes-gr...
September 16, 2026 at 9:43 AM
This State of the Union produced a familiar feeling: déjà vu, well-intentioned and naïve, as only we Europeans can be.
It offered incremental progress where the moment demands a quantum leap.
Read my latest on #SOTEU albertoalemanno.substack.com/p/europes-gr...
It offered incremental progress where the moment demands a quantum leap.
Read my latest on #SOTEU albertoalemanno.substack.com/p/europes-gr...
Interview pour EBRA (premier groupe de presse régionale) au sujet du discours sur l’Etat de l’Union d’Ursula von der Leyen.
www.leprogres.fr/politique/20...
www.leprogres.fr/politique/20...
Europe. Discours sur l’état de l’Union : pourquoi Ursula von der Leyen est attendue au tournant
La présidente de la Commission européenne doit prononcer mercredi son annuel discours sur l’état de l’Union devant le Parlement de Strasbourg.
www.leprogres.fr
September 16, 2026 at 9:19 AM
Interview pour EBRA (premier groupe de presse régionale) au sujet du discours sur l’Etat de l’Union d’Ursula von der Leyen.
www.leprogres.fr/politique/20...
www.leprogres.fr/politique/20...