World
EU chief backs plan for Canada to become 'associate member'
Canada is seeking closer ties with EU after a breakdown in relations with the US and its president Donald Trump.
BBC World•
Mark Carney (left) walks alongside European Parliament President Roberta Metsola (centre) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (right)
The president of the European Commission has backed proposals for Canada to become the EU's first "associate member".
Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament on Wednesday she wanted to work on "opening the door" for Canada, which would involve closer ties on various key sectors.
Both she and other European leaders have found a reliable ally in Carney as they deal with similar problems.