Canadian Prime Minister proposes EU associate membership with work mobility

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke to the European Parliament on Thursday. He proposed that Canada become the EU's first ever "associate member." This category does not currently exist in EU rules, so it would need to be created.

Carney said Canadian and European young people should be able to live, work, and study across the Atlantic. He also suggested Canada could join EU programmes like the Horizon research scheme. He argued that Canada and Europe are "stronger together" in a troubled world.

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she wants to make this new status happen. A recent survey found that 80% of Canadians support closer ties with Europe, and over half feel nearer to Europe than to the United States.