Von der Leyen Proposes First Associate Membership, Says Threats to EU Come ‘Too Often From the Inside’
The European Commission president used her State of the Union address to take aim at Europeans who ‘despise our values’ and ‘shatter our European unity.’
TL;DR
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed Canada become the EU's first associate member.
- The proposal was made during the State of the Union address in Strasbourg, France.
- Von der Leyen stated the EU must forge its own path in what she described as 'an openly hostile world.'
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was a guest of honor and is scheduled to address the European Parliament.
- An associate member category does not currently exist under EU treaties.