EU chief opens door for Canada to become 'associate member'

The president of the European Commission has backed proposals for Canada to become the EU's first "associate member". Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday she wanted to work on "opening the door" for Canada, which would involve closer ties on various key sectors. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney last week spoke of seeking a "unique alliance" with the EU, coming as he faces tense relations with the US and Donald Trump. Without mentioning the US president by name, von der Leyen said offering Canada some sort of EU membership was "not a partnership against anyone else, but for our common strength." She added: "Partnerships are a strategic choice for Europe.