EU chief calls for European Security Council and closer Canada ties
Von der Leyen urged a new security council and deeper Canada cooperation as the EU seeks faster responses to threats and stronger support for Ukraine.
- On Wednesday, September 16, 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her State of the European Union address in Strasbourg, proposing a new European Security Council to strengthen the bloc's defense capabilities.
- Describing Europe as facing "an openly hostile world," von der Leyen told the European Parliament that territorial wars and industrial competition necessitate unified security coordination among Europeans.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney attended as a special guest, with von der Leyen proposing Canada as the bloc's first associate member; Carney described Canada as seeking a "unique alliance" for technology and Arctic cooperation.
- The bloc will address an unsustainable €1 billion daily goods deficit with China through a new minerals corporation, while a climate insurance alliance targets the gap where only around 25 percent of extreme weather losses are covered.
- Artificial intelligence policies will include talks with leading laboratories on technology risks, while von der Leyen proposed banning children under 13 from social media and chatbots, with supervised accounts for those aged 13-15.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Reformatorisch Dagblad
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's call for increased cooperation with Canada has been positively received in The Hague. Prime Minister Rob Jetten called it "very useful" if cooperation with countries such as Canada, Norway, and the United Kingdom were intensified.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, proposed on Wednesday that Canada become the first "associated member" of the European Union (EU), in a title designed to highlight the growing proximity of the North American country to its transatlantic allies, as they both face a deterioration in their relations with the US. The Head of the European Executive also suggested the creation of a European Security Council, including t…
EU Calls for Closer Alliance With Canada to Aid Trade, Security
The European Union and Canada are planning to form a new type of alliance, based on trade and security, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will say in her state of the union address Wednesday.
EU chief calls for European Security Council and closer Canada ties
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday called for a new European Security Council and closer ties with Canada – setting out plans to strengthen the EU's security, back Ukraine through the winter and reduce its reliance on other countries for trade, technology and critical materials.
"We have been discussing for a long time the creation of a leaders' level formation, focused on the security of our continent and involving partners such as Canada, Norway, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and others"
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
