Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, announced that the European Union is opening its doors for Canada as its first associated member. This is a new position that the European Union must create from scratch. Von der Leyen's remarks were made during her annual speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, in the presence of Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada.
Details of the Associated Membership Proposal
This news comes just days after The Wall Street Journal reported that Carney is considering the possibility of associated membership with the European Union. Carney had previously reacted to this news, stating that he is seeking a "unique partnership" with the European Union, rather than formal membership.
Read more: The European Parliament is opening a new office in Canada
In her speech, von der Leyen emphasized the importance of partnerships for Europe, stating: "Partnerships are a strategic choice for Europe. They also respond to the gaps in the international rules-based system." She stressed that Europe and Canada share a common perspective on many issues, including artificial intelligence, climate change, and geopolitics.
Challenges and Opportunities
The European Union and Canada, having grown closer due to trade tensions and global disputes, are seeking collaboration to reduce dependence on China and the United States. Von der Leyen also pointed to the need to maintain the independence of the European Union in various areas, including energy and raw materials, stating: "We still have many dangerous dependencies." She added that the European Union is about 80 percent dependent on China for many critical raw materials.
Von der Leyen highlighted the necessity of securing and storing raw materials, saying: "No country can do this alone, so we need to think differently." She also announced that the European Union intends to establish a new European company focused on critical raw materials.
The President of the European Commission also addressed the challenges facing the European Union, stating that the future of this bloc depends on how it manages climate change and artificial intelligence. She announced a new initiative called the "Heatwave Program," designed in response to Europe's deadly summer season.
Von der Leyen also proposed extensive restrictions on children's access to social networks. According to this proposal, children under 13 will be prohibited from accessing these platforms, while teenagers aged 13 to 15 can use "mini" accounts under parental supervision.
Von der Leyen referred to the power of major technological companies, stating: "I am aware that many see the power of big tech as an uncontrollable force. I disagree with this view." She also emphasized that each era has its specific sensitivities and therefore each should have a level of protection commensurate with itself.
Von der Leyen is set to formally introduce this law, known as the "Children's Law," alongside Henna Virkkunen, the EU's Technology Chief, in Strasbourg.
Read more: Ursula von der Leyen emphasizes European independence in her speech · Ursula von der Leyen warns about the European Union's trade deficit with China
