Andy Burnham spent years as a vocal opponent of Brexit and an advocate for rejoining the European Union. His appointment as Britain’s prime minister in July appeared to promise a new era of improved UK-EU relations — yet instead, EU leaders are turning their attention elsewhere, forging closer ties with Canada.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday proposed that Canada become the first-ever associate member of the EU, a bespoke designation aimed at expanding the trading bloc’s reach and reinventing itself in the wake of Britain’s high-profile departure.
The practical implications of associate membership remain unclear and could take years to define. Nevertheless, the move signals that Canada has significantly outpaced Britain in building stronger diplomatic, trade, and security relationships with Brussels.
British officials appeared largely unfazed by the announcement. One said there were insufficient details to assess its significance, while another dismissed it as a political gesture unlikely to produce any immediate major trade or economic consequences.
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