BBC News Briefing

17 September, 2026

Alex has short blonde hair and blue eyes. She is smiling and wearing a black turtleneck

Alex Binley

Hello. Will Canada become an "associate member" of the EU? Our Europe editor assesses the likelihood. We take a look at why there will be few surprises in this weekend's parliamentary elections in Russia. And see what's up for grabs in a dirty money auction in Singapore.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Why there are no guarantees of EU 'associate membership' for Canada

European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stand in a row in front of a blue background with a red and white Canadian flag on their left and a blue EU flag with gold stars in their right. Von der Leyen has blond bobbed hair and is wearing a white jacket, Metsola is wearing a blue suit over a white top an Carney is wearing a black suit and purple tie.

If Canada were to have an 'associate membership' of the EU, it could provide a blueprint for other countries. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock

During US President Donald Trump's second term in office, ties between Canada and the European Union have grown closer, driven in part by what both "view as Washington's weaponisation of trade tariffs", writes Europe editor Katya Adler. As a result "associate membership" of the bloc for Ottawa has been proposed. It's unclear exactly what this relationship would look like as it currently doesn't exist, but here's what we do and don't know about how it could work. We also asked Canadians for their thoughts on the idea - watch them here. Despite Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcoming the EU's ambition, there's "no guarantee" it would "ever get off the ground", writes Katya as she explains some of the hurdles creating such a relationship could face.

Read Katya's analysis

GET UP TO SPEED

Two groups of police stand on a road going through fields in South Africa. One group are wearing dark uniforms, the other are in white hazmat outfits.

Ninth woman's body found in South Africa

The latest discovery in just two months comes amid growing concern over a string of unexplained deaths east of Johannesburg.

What we know so far >

The remains of white building are seen surrounded by piles of rubble. In the forground, a white sheet shows the faces of four young boys, all wearing grey shirts.

UN experts say grounds to believe US committed war crimes in Iran strikes

Experts assessed strikes on a primary school and a sports complex that killed at least 177 civilians. The US has not yet commented.

Read more >

A toned woman with long brown hair in a plait wears a black, strappy top and a dark blue headband. She is running.

Winner 'sorry' for continuing race after soiling herself

Joanna Wietrzyk said she should have "made a different choice" and exited the Hyrox competition in Beijing sooner.

What else she said >

Video shows wreck of Saudi jet shot down over Yemen

Experts told my colleagues at Verify that the incident is a "propaganda coup" that shows the Houthis' military capability has advanced.

Watch the video >

A huge grey crocodile lies on a sandy beach with its mouth open. Grass can be seen in the background.

Olympic rowing will be held in river with 500 crocodiles

The assessment for the 2032 Brisbane Games didn't consider the crocodiles but instead looked at weather patterns and water levels.

More on the selection >

NEWS FROM THE UK

Earl Spencer: The then Prince Charles sounded "giddily elated" in a phone call after Princess Diana's death, her brother has claimed in a new book.

Missing mum: Human remains discovered in London woodland following a wildfire have been identified as a woman last seen in 2019.