The possibility that the European Union could open itself to a new reality of partnerships, with the creation of a specific status of “associate member” to include Canada, could be part of a broader plan. A European Parliament member suggested on Wednesday (16) that the EU should also seek to strengthen economic ties with other countries, citing Brazil, Indonesia, Japan, and South Korea.
Bernd Lange, who chairs the European Parliament’s Trade Committee, revealed this idea on the same day that the EU’s president, Ursula von der Leyen, made the invitation to Canada, during the bloc’s State of the Union address in Strasbourg, France.
Read also: EU opens doors for Canada to become its first associated member
“We are in a situation where it is completely unpredictable what the United States is doing and we have an aggressive industrial policy from China — and, therefore, it is so important that we strengthen our ties with democratic countries, and Canada is an example,” Bernd Lange told CNBC. He then cited Brazil among these nations.
In her speech, von der Leyen hailed the start of an “alliance for the future” to deepen EU-Canada cooperation in areas such as economic security, smart industry, cutting-edge technology, defense, energy, critical minerals and batteries, as well as in the Arctic region.
But she did not detail how the creation of the “associate member” status would work. An earlier attempt with Ukraine, sponsored by the German chancellor, lost momentum in the bloc after criticisms from other countries.
Before the speech, a poll conducted by Abacus Data showed that 49% of Canadians would support joining the EU, while 30% opposed and 21% said they were undecided.
Who did not appreciate the proposal was the President of the United States, Donald Trump, who has been waging trade battles with Canada since last year. “I think this is ridiculous. (…) If they do this, if I consider that it is a hostile act, I will impose very heavy tariffs or halt trade with Europe,” he threatened.
Read also: Trump threatens to cut trade with the EU after invitation for Canada to become an associate member
