Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, on Wednesday in her speech at the European Parliament, aimed to introduce Canada as the first "associate member" of the European Union. She emphasized the need for a fundamental review of the EU's partnerships, especially in light of geopolitical and economic challenges.
Developing Strategic Cooperation
In her speech marking the 26th anniversary of the EU declaration, von der Leyen stated that Europe must "immediately reassess its partnerships" and proposed collaboration with Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, to elevate relations between the EU and Canada to the highest possible level. She expressed, "I want to work with you to open the doors for Canada's membership as the first associate member of the European Union."
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This proposal is part of broader efforts to deepen cooperation with like-minded partners in strategic areas including energy, critical minerals, batteries, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, and economic security.
Challenges and Opportunities
Von der Leyen emphasized that the European Union must ensure access to critical raw materials, strengthen energy independence, and develop its capabilities in emerging technologies while collaborating with trusted partners. She stated that Europe must move towards an independent path and shape a stronger Europe that can better defend itself and safeguard its energy and economic interests.
Emphasizing the resumption of the European economy as the "number one priority" of the European Union was another important point in von der Leyen's speech. She referred to the single large market, industrial base, savings, and currency while acknowledging the fragmentation in capital markets, networks, and purchasing power.
Von der Leyen also announced that the European Union has reached a political agreement on the "One Europe, One Market" roadmap and called for the completion of single market reforms by the end of next year. She revealed a new plan for international connectivity that links the South Caucasus and Central Asia to the European market.
She also highlighted the need to reduce the EU's dependence on Russian gas through diversified supplies and investment in renewable and nuclear energy, calling for increased electrification, stating, "The EU's goal should be to double the share of electricity by 2040."
Von der Leyen also warned about Europe's trade relations with China, stating that these relations have reached a "turning point." She mentioned that the EU is negotiating with Beijing to establish a balance in trade and emphasized that these negotiations must yield tangible results. Additionally, she pointed out the EU's dependence on China for critical raw materials, noting that the Union relies on China for over 80% of many of these materials and 90% for some rare elements.
Von der Leyen announced a plan to create a "European Company for Critical Raw Materials" to secure and store the materials needed for electric vehicles, chips, batteries, clean technologies, and defense. She introduced the topic of artificial intelligence as the second "turning point" alongside climate change and addressed concerns about cyberattacks and self-improving models and AI systems that operate beyond defined environments.
Von der Leyen emphasized that Europe must collaborate with its partners, including Canada and the UK, in assessing AI models, validation, early warning, and AI security. At the same time, she stressed the need to develop its technological capabilities in areas related to national security.
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