Post by @globeandmail

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, called for Canada to become the first associate member of the European Union. “We want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible,” Ms. von der Leyen told members of the European Parliament. The remark won prolonged applause and Mr. Carney was invited to the podium to shake hands with Ms. von der Leyen. 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. #europe #canada #cdnpoli #eu