🇪🇺 EU Chief Calls for Greater European Solidarity Amid Global Challenges

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for greater solidarity among EU member states in her annual State of the Union address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg on September 16, 2026. Von der Leyen said the EU faces a combination of external and internal pressures, including Russia's war in Ukraine, economic competition from China and the United States, climate-related emergencies and political divisions within member states. She argued that closer cooperation is necessary for Europe to strengthen its ability to respond to these challenges. Proposed closer EU–Canada relationship One of the major announcements was a proposal to explore Canada becoming the EU's first associate member. Von der Leyen said she wanted to take the EU-Canada relationship to the highest possible level, with cooperation covering areas including defence, energy, critical minerals, technology, artificial intelligence and economic security. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who was in Strasbourg for the address, received a standing ovation from European lawmakers. EU–China trade imbalance Von der Leyen also said the EU's trade deficit with China had reached what she described as an unsustainable level. Reuters reports that she cited a €1 billion daily goods-trade deficit last year and said the EU would use available tools to rebalance the relationship. Climate and security measures The Commission president also announced proposals involving a European Heatwave Plan, stronger wildfire preparedness and a new climate-insurance initiative. On security, she proposed mechanisms for a more coordinated European response to incidents such as cyberattacks, sabotage and drone activity. Accountability note This report describes proposals and statements made by von der Leyen; they should not be presented as policies that have already been fully implemented. The proposal for Canadian associate membership, for example, is an initiative she wants to pursue rather than an existing change in Canada's EU status. Primary source: Reuters — EU's von der Leyen backs partnership with Canada Additional coverage: Reuters — Highlights of the 2026 State of the Union address Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/eu-head-call-european-solidarity-top-challenges-closer-canada-ties-2026-09-16