EU Asks Canada to Be Its First Close Partner

The European Commission, EU's executive, invited Canada to be its first associate member, a partner, not full member. Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the offer 17 September in Strasbourg, telling Europe's parliament he wants deep teamwork and an 'alliance for the future.' He said polls show Canadians overwhelmingly want closer ties. He will host EU leaders in Montreal 29-30 October.