For a multitude of reasons, Canada will never become an “associate member” of the European Union. It was never in the realm of possibility.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would have known this. Her offer last week at the European Parliament wasn’t off the cuff but was carefully orchestrated within EU circles and was done for symbolic purposes, a clear signal to certain unnamed powers that Canada and Europe have shared geopolitical interests and can work together as close political and commercial allies in today’s hegemonic world.
