EU chief calls for Canada to become bloc’s first associate member

EU chief calls for Canada to become bloc’s first associate member PAUL WALDIE EUROPE CORRESPONDENT LONDON PUBLISHED 50 MINUTES AGO Open this photo in gallery: Prime Minister Mark Carney waves as he arrives in the Hemicycle of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Wednesday. JUSTIN TANG/THE CANADIAN PRESS COMMENTS SHARE SAVE FOR LATER Listen to this article Learn more about audio Log in or create a free account to listen to this article. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, called for Canada to become the first associate member of the European Union as part of a new “alliance for the future.” Ms. von der Leyen, who is the effective head of the EU, made the comments in a State of the Union speech on Wednesday in the European Parliament, which was watched by Prime Minister Mark Carney. “We want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible,” Ms. von der Leyen told MPs, referring to Mr. Carney as “Dear Mark.” “I said we must urgently reimagine our partnerships. So I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to being the first associate member of the European Union,” she said. The remark won prolonged applause and Mr. Carney was invited to the podium to shake hands with Ms. von der Leyen. Analysis: The EU loves Carney. That won’t necessarily make striking trade deals any easier Visa-free travel to be part of Canada-EU talks, Carney says During her speech, Ms. von der Leyen said the EU wanted to move from the existing Canada-EU trade agreement – known as the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement or CETA – “to an alliance for the future.” 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, artificial intelligence, quantum science and economic security, she said. In a vague reference to U.S. President Donald Trump, she added: “This is not a partnership against anyone else. But for our common strength.” “We share one ocean, one set of values, one way of seeing the world. And we will now build our shared future as well.” Her comments will likely be welcomed by Mr. Carney, who has said recently that Canada was seeking “a unique alliance” with the EU that went beyond CETA. The Prime Minister will address the Parliament on Thursday and Canada is hosting a summit with the EU next month. Trichur: Canada must…