Brussels hit with furious backlash after top Eurocrat Ursula von der Leyen unveils unprecedented plan for Canada to become 'associate member' of the bloc without asking EU capitals first, with diplomats branding her 'bombastic'
- Posted on September 16, 2026
- By Daily Mail
- 1 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
European Union officials express strong disapproval following Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's unilateral announcement of a controversial proposal granting Canada associate membership status within the EU framework. The initiative, presented during a major address without prior consultation with member state capitals, has triggered diplomatic tensions and accusations of overreach, with senior EU representatives criticizing the leadership's unconventional decision-making approach.
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Brussels hit with furious backlash after top Eurocrat Ursula von der Leyen unveils unprecedented plan for Canada to become 'associate member' of the bloc without asking EU capitals first, with diplomats branding her 'bombastic'
EU diplomats told the Mail they were kept in the dark and first learnt of the proposal when Ursula von der Leyen, the EU Commission boss, unveiled it during a keynote speech.
