EU to lead middle powers
2m
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.
www.rcinet.ca/eye-on-the-a... An important week in Canadian diplomacy! Commented for this story by CBC News - Eye on the Arctic about how potential Canadian associate membership in the EU could enhance Arctic cooperation. 🇨🇦🇪🇺@uitnorgesarktiske.bsky.social
Arctic would be "flagship project" in proposed EU-Canada partnership, von der Leyen says
The Arctic would become a centrepiece of a proposed new partnership between Canada and the European Union, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday.
“We will make the Arct...
www.rcinet.ca
September 17, 2026 at 5:06 AM
www.rcinet.ca/eye-on-the-a... An important week in Canadian diplomacy! Commented for this story by CBC News - Eye on the Arctic about how potential Canadian associate membership in the EU could enhance Arctic cooperation. 🇨🇦🇪🇺@uitnorgesarktiske.bsky.social
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.
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 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.
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 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, 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.
Reposted by Adrian Vickers
🇪🇺🇨🇦 Ursula von der Leyen wants to take Canada-EU relations to “the highest level possible” — including opening the door for Canada to become the EU’s first associate member.
A potentially historic shift in Canada-Europe relations.
🎥 Credit: CPAC Live / YouTube
❤️🇪🇺🇨🇦TEAM CANADA FOREVER🇨🇦🇪🇺❤️
A potentially historic shift in Canada-Europe relations.
🎥 Credit: CPAC Live / YouTube
❤️🇪🇺🇨🇦TEAM CANADA FOREVER🇨🇦🇪🇺❤️
September 16, 2026 at 2:52 PM
🇪🇺🇨🇦 Ursula von der Leyen wants to take Canada-EU relations to “the highest level possible” — including opening the door for Canada to become the EU’s first associate member.
A potentially historic shift in Canada-Europe relations.
🎥 Credit: CPAC Live / YouTube
❤️🇪🇺🇨🇦TEAM CANADA FOREVER🇨🇦🇪🇺❤️
A potentially historic shift in Canada-Europe relations.
🎥 Credit: CPAC Live / YouTube
❤️🇪🇺🇨🇦TEAM CANADA FOREVER🇨🇦🇪🇺❤️
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 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
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...
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...