Von der Leyen Proposes 'European Security Council', Invites Canada as Associate Member
In her State of the European Union address, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for a new security body including Britain and Ukraine, and floated closer ties with Canada.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for the creation of a "European Security Council" during her State of the European Union address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, according to France 24.
Von der Leyen said the proposed council would include countries beyond the European Union's current membership, specifically naming Britain and Ukraine as potential participants, the report said.
The address also included remarks directed at Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was this year's special guest at the annual speech. Von der Leyen said she wanted to open the door for Canada to become the European Union's first associate member, according to France 24.
The State of the European Union address is delivered annually by the Commission president to outline priorities and policy direction for the bloc. Further details on the structure, membership criteria, or timeline for the proposed security council were not immediately available.
France 24 reported the remarks as part of its live coverage of the speech in Strasbourg.
Sources
- EU chief calls for creation of ‘European Security Council’, backs partnership with Canada — France 24 — English
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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