The Future of the EU

EU Leader Welcomes Canada as Associate Member

The EU should lead the responsible development of AI, take greater responsibility for the climate, establish a security pact to address hybrid threats, and limit young people's use of social media. This was stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her annual policy speech on Wednesday morning.

She also addressed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney directly; he had been invited to attend the session in Parliament.

"We want to open the door for Canada to become the EU's first associate member," she said.

This would entail deepened cooperation between the EU and Canada on issues regarding defense, technology, and energy.

"Ban Social Media for Children Under 13"

The EU aims to significantly restrict the use of social media by children and young people, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The Union wants to ban children under the age of 13 from social media and proposes that guardians be given oversight of accounts used by children aged 13 to 15. She also wants to limit social media usage to a maximum of one hour per day.

"Many say it is impossible to rein in the tech giants. I disagree," she said in her annual policy speech.