EU to lead middle powers
4m
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would build global coalitions to lead middle powers, while critics warned her plan relied on non‑European technology and private capital.
by Andrew Watt
Jonas Nahm makes a number of apposite points here: bsky.app/profile/jona...
The EU needs to define statuses short of membership also for other cases incl. UK, Iceland, Ukraine. Complex, but important and urgent.
The EU needs to define statuses short of membership also for other cases incl. UK, Iceland, Ukraine. Complex, but important and urgent.
1/ Von der Leyen just offered Canada "associate membership" in the EU in her State of the Union address. Carney was in the chamber. Standing ovation. Perhaps the clearest sign yet that some countries are actively trying to build a new architecture for global trade.
September 17, 2026 at 2:57 AM
Jonas Nahm makes a number of apposite points here: bsky.app/profile/jona...
The EU needs to define statuses short of membership also for other cases incl. UK, Iceland, Ukraine. Complex, but important and urgent.
The EU needs to define statuses short of membership also for other cases incl. UK, Iceland, Ukraine. Complex, but important and urgent.
Reposted by Nicolai von Ondarza, Molly Scott Cato
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.
by Jonas Nahm Reposted by Andrew Watt, Simon Lester
1/ Von der Leyen just offered Canada "associate membership" in the EU in her State of the Union address. Carney was in the chamber. Standing ovation. Perhaps the clearest sign yet that some countries are actively trying to build a new architecture for global trade.
September 16, 2026 at 11:20 PM
1/ Von der Leyen just offered Canada "associate membership" in the EU in her State of the Union address. Carney was in the chamber. Standing ovation. Perhaps the clearest sign yet that some countries are actively trying to build a new architecture for global trade.
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:
Big win for Carney and Canada!
apnews.com/article/euro...
apnews.com/article/euro...
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen says she wants Canada to become the bloc's 1st associate member
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada the European Union’s first associate member, a striking overture as U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats drive Ottawa closer to Europe.
apnews.com
September 16, 2026 at 5:52 PM
Big win for Carney and Canada!
apnews.com/article/euro...
apnews.com/article/euro...
by Jonas Nahm
6/ The "associate membership" category von der Leyen proposed doesn't exist in EU law. As Brussels is beginning to recognize its own gravitational pull, it's acting on it faster than its own institutions can absorb.
September 16, 2026 at 11:20 PM
6/ The "associate membership" category von der Leyen proposed doesn't exist in EU law. As Brussels is beginning to recognize its own gravitational pull, it's acting on it faster than its own institutions can absorb.
by Nicolai von Ondarza Reposted by Steve Peers
Von der Leyen embraces a far-reaching idea: She just announced she wants to open the door to Canada becoming the "first associate member of the European Union" (to huge applause).
September 16, 2026 at 7:53 AM
Von der Leyen embraces a far-reaching idea: She just announced she wants to open the door to Canada becoming the "first associate member of the European Union" (to huge applause).
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 Steve Peers, Joanna Bryson
State of the Union address 2026: Democracy and tech regulation highlights⬇️
In the section on democracy, von der Leyen starts by saying European democracy is being threatened by disinformation and foreign interference "seeking to divide us". 1/
In the section on democracy, von der Leyen starts by saying European democracy is being threatened by disinformation and foreign interference "seeking to divide us". 1/
September 16, 2026 at 9:18 AM
State of the Union address 2026: Democracy and tech regulation highlights⬇️
In the section on democracy, von der Leyen starts by saying European democracy is being threatened by disinformation and foreign interference "seeking to divide us". 1/
In the section on democracy, von der Leyen starts by saying European democracy is being threatened by disinformation and foreign interference "seeking to divide us". 1/
Reposted by Lynette H. Ong
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday proposed making Canada the European Union's first associate member, a striking overture as U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs drive Ottawa closer to Europe. n.pr/3UX0uMz
EU's Ursula von der Leyen says she wants Canada to become an associate member
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday proposed making Canada the European Union's first associate member, a striking overture as U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs drive Ottawa closer to Europe.
n.pr
September 16, 2026 at 12:56 PM
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday proposed making Canada the European Union's first associate member, a striking overture as U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs drive Ottawa closer to Europe. n.pr/3UX0uMz
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
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...
The State of the Union was established to make Europe’s priorities more transparent and accountable, yet it never fulfilled that democratic promise.
It should tell Europeans honestly what Europe can do and what it just can’t
albertoalemanno.substack.com/p/what-the-s...
It should tell Europeans honestly what Europe can do and what it just can’t
albertoalemanno.substack.com/p/what-the-s...
September 16, 2026 at 5:47 AM
The State of the Union was established to make Europe’s priorities more transparent and accountable, yet it never fulfilled that democratic promise.
It should tell Europeans honestly what Europe can do and what it just can’t
albertoalemanno.substack.com/p/what-the-s...
It should tell Europeans honestly what Europe can do and what it just can’t
albertoalemanno.substack.com/p/what-the-s...
First #SOTEU to name-check UK since 2020, I think
Even so, still only in multilateral work on AI and Security
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
Even so, still only in multilateral work on AI and Security
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
2026 State of the Union Address by President von der Leyen
President von der Leyen delivered the second State of the Union Address of the 2024–2029 Commission.
ec.europa.eu
September 16, 2026 at 8:50 AM
First #SOTEU to name-check UK since 2020, I think
Even so, still only in multilateral work on AI and Security
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
Even so, still only in multilateral work on AI and Security
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...
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.
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...
