EU leader supports making Canada the first associate member

UPDATE - follow-up to EU chief backs plan for Canada to become 'associate member': European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday that she backs plans to open the door for Canada to become the EU's first associate member. This move would create closer ties between the two sides across several key sectors. The proposal follows statements made last week by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who spoke about wanting to build a unique alliance with the EU as his country deals with tense relations with the US. Ursula von der Leyen made these remarks while walking alongside European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Mark Carney.