European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed making Canada the first "associate member" of the European Union.

Outgoing U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been the bane of Brussels for all so many years.

European Union ambassadors convened on Christmas Day to start an assessment of the massive free-trade deal the EU struck with Britain. (Olivier Hoslet, Pool via AP)LONDON – First came the Brexit trade deal. Four days after sealing a free trade agreement with the European Union, the British government warned businesses Monday to get ready for disruptions and “bumpy moments” when the new rules take effect on Thursday night. Despite the deal, uncertainty hangs over huge chunks of the relationship between Britain and the EU. ___Follow all AP stories on the Brexit trade talks at h ttps://apnews.com/Brexit

“There are other options which now have to be looked at, including, on the one hand, the possibility of extending the (Brexit) transition period," McAllister said. France is leading the EU offensive to keep as many EU vessels in U.K. waters for as long as possible. The talks have bogged down on two main issues over the past days — the EU’s access to U.K. fishing waters and assurances of fair competition between businesses. London Mayor Sadiq Khan called on British Prime Minister Boris Johnson to extend the transition period, something Johnson has refused to do. ___Follow all AP stories on the Brexit trade talks at https://apnews.com/Brexit___