EU chief proposes making Canada first 'partner member' to boost ties

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed that Canada become the first country to receive 'partner member' status in the European Union, in a move aimed at taking relations between the two sides to an unprecedented level.

Von der Leyen made the proposal during her address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, attended by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who joined her for the annual State of the Union speech.

She explained that strategic partnerships have become essential amid what she described as a fractured international order, noting the EU's desire to elevate its relationship with Canada from trade cooperation to a future-oriented alliance.

Addressing the Canadian prime minister, von der Leyen said the EU wants to raise its ties with Canada to the highest possible level, expressing her wish to work with him to explore granting Canada the status of the EU's first 'partner member.'