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

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 PressThe 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 easierVisa-free travel to be part of Canada-EU talks, Carney saysDuring 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 avoid a BRICS-like quandary as it forges stronger ties with EuropeNeither Mr. Carney nor Ms. von der Leyen have offered any details on what “associate member” status would involve. The designation doesn’t exist currently and negotiating the terms could be long and complicated. Some EU members might also be less inclined to offer favourable status to Canada if it undermined their economies. That is one reason why CETA has yet to be ratified by 10 of the EU states, even though it was signed in 2016. Concerns have been raised in part about Canadian agriculture.Canada could pursue an “association agreement” with the EU. These agreements are “a flexible framework allowing for varying degrees of co-operation across a wide variety of policy areas,” according to the EU.The European has negotiated more than 20 association agreements but negotiations often take years. Any final deal with Canada would have to be approved by all 27 members of the EU.