European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday that she wanted to open the door for Canada to become the European Union’s first associate member.
The move to strengthen ties comes amid an ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the United States. Washington imposed 50 percent tariffs on certain Canadian exports after trade talks collapsed on Aug. 21, prompting Canada to impose counter-tariffs on U.S. steel, aluminum, dairy, and other goods.
“I said we must urgently reimagine our partnerships,” von der Leyen said in her annual address to the European Parliament, where Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was also present. …