EU Backs Canada's Bid for 'Associate Membership' Amid US Trade Tensions

European Union President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed support for Canada's bid to become an 'associate member' of the EU. This move comes amid tensions between the US and Canada over tariffs, with both countries imposing tariffs on each other's products.

Last month, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he wanted to seek a unique alliance with the EU in response to these tensions. While Leyen didn't mention President Donald Trump by name, she stated that the partnership was for common strength and a response to the 'fracture in the international rules-based system.'

Canada has imposed tariffs on 27.6 billion Canadian dollars worth of American-made products after the US announced a 50% tariff on hundreds of Canadian products.