European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has sparked confusion among EU member states and Canadian officials by suggesting an associate membership status for Canada. This concept remains poorly defined, and Ottawa has shown little enthusiasm for the proposal. The latest episode of the Brussels Playbook podcast examines whether this initiative was coordinated with relevant stakeholders and what it implies for future EU-Canada relations, particularly in light of Mark Carney's recent address in Strasbourg. Beyond this diplomatic friction, the program covers the political challenges currently confronting German opposition leader Friedrich Merz. Furthermore, the episode addresses the ongoing controversy surrounding the European Union's continued export of plastic waste to Turkey, despite internal reports highlighting significant environmental risks associated with these shipments.
Source : Politico Europe
