European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has indicated that Australia and New Zealand may be among the countries eligible for a new form of associate membership within the European Union. This status, she explained, would serve as an intermediary option between full EU membership and the candidate country status.
Metsola emphasized the EU’s desire to strengthen relations with nations interested in closer ties. The proposed associate membership could enhance trade relations, grant access to critical raw materials, and enable joint regulations in key areas such as social media and child protection. However, she noted that discussions surrounding this framework are still in their infancy.
Previously, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen suggested a similar associate membership format for Canada. Metsola mentioned that other countries might also be interested in fostering closer connections with the EU. According to reports, this initiative has taken many EU member state governments by surprise, as there is currently no established model for such a membership. In parallel, von der Leyen proposed deepening cooperation with Canada in technology, defense, energy, critical minerals, and other sectors.
