Swiss News

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced in the European Parliament in Strasbourg that she wants to bring the EU's relations with Canada "to the highest level possible". In the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney she stated that she wanted to open the door for Canada "to be the first associate member of the EU". While commentators are clear on the motives behind the plan, some puzzle over the details.

According to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the EU is, in priniciple, well equipped to meet the current challenges. "A stronger, independent Europe is now emerging", she said in her State of the Union address on Wednesday. She stressed, however, that more investment in defence as well as institutional changes such as the creation of a consultation mechanism in the event of a threat will be necessary to enhance Europe's defence capabilities.

The school year has kicked off in Portugal – though things are far from running smoothly. Many schools are grappling with shortages of classrooms, and thousands of pupils are still without a teacher. Is there a link to the conservative government’s austerity and reform measures in the education sector? Already many problems had surfaced during the A-level exams in June and July.

On Thursday, Parliament adopted three resolutions on the human rights situation in Hong Kong, Cuba and Zambia.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On Thursday, Parliament adopted three resolutions on the human rights situation in Hong Kong, Cuba and Zambia.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On Thursday, Parliament adopted three resolutions on the human rights situation in Hong Kong, Cuba and Zambia.

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP