EU President Von der Leyen floats Canada partnership
Reuters, STRASBOURG, France
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen yesterday called on EU states to work together and form a new partnership with Canada to tackle climate change, competition from China and other challenges.
The bloc was dealing with “an openly hostile world,” Von der Leyen said in her annual speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, setting out priorities for the 27-nation EU for the year ahead.
Solidarity among member states was the only possible solution, she said.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, left, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attend a meeting at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, yesterday.
Photo: AP
“Our path is clear. Building an independent Europe that has the power to act,” she said.
The bloc faces war at its borders, with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. On trade and other issues, it is also facing stiff rivalry from the US and China.
“The state of our union is the strongest it has ever been. The state of our union can also feel as precarious as it has ever been,” Von der Leyen said.
To maintain EU independence in sectors including energy, raw materials and clean technologies, members need to work together as well as have strong partners like Canada, she said.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the meeting.
“We want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible,” Von der Leyen said. “So, I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU.”
Von der Leyen walked up to and embraced Carney after mentioning the “associate membership” issue for Canada and Carney got a standing ovation from the chamber.
Turning to trade, Von der Leyen said that the EU will use every possible means to reduce its “unsustainable” trade deficit with China.
The imbalance, with a goods trade deficit of 1 billion euros (US$1.15 billion) a day last year, had reached a tipping point, she said.
“Let me be clear: We will use all the tools at our disposal to rebalance our relationship,” she said. “Words are good, but deeds are better.”
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