In her speech to MEPs on Wednesday, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen spoke about Canada becoming an “associate” member of the EU in future, a concept that does not exist in the union’s governing treaties.
The following day Canadian prime minister Mark Carney spoke to the same group of MEPs about wanting to be closer to the bloc during the “ferocious” storm that had ruptured alliances underpinning the previous world order.
Carney sketched out the possible parameters of a new “alliance”, but what does “associate” membership mean? Is it all about trade?
And what might the implications be for Ireland?
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Jack Power, Irish Times Brussels-based Europe correspondent explains.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by John Casey.
