Ursula von der Leyen proposes "common prosperity and economic security space" for Canada-EU ties

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed creating a new affiliated status for Canada within the European Union and a wider partnership, requiring treaty changes. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the idea in an address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, saying closer European ties would shield Canada’s markets and self-rule. The push follows U.S. tariffs and President Donald Trump’s repeated suggestion that Canada join the United States as another state, prompting Ottawa to lessen reliance on Washington. Carney named cooperation in trade, defense, essential materials, AI, energy, space, research and finance. He will host EU leaders in Montreal on October 29-30 to discuss it. Trump suggested the arrangement could be considered an antagonistic move and threatened tariffs on Europe if he judged intentions unfriendly. Canada sends roughly 70% of exports to the U.S., while Europe seeks closer relations.