European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has told Euronews that countries including Australia and New Zealand could follow Canada in becoming “associate members” of the European Union as like-minded nations seek closer ties.
Speaking exclusively to Europe Today ahead of a speech by Canadian Prime MInister Mark Carny on Thursday_,_ Metsola described the proposed status as a third way between full EU membership and candidate status.
“There are countries with which we want to deepen our relationship,” Metsola said.
“I don’t doubt that it will include other countries, and others will come knocking at our door…In such times of uncertainty, having friends matters.”
The EU already has trade agreements with both countries, providing a potential starting point for closer cooperation. A similar relationship has been proposed with Canada, which signed a comprehensive trade agreement with the EU in 2016.
Asked about the technicalities of what associate membership would look like, Metsola acknowledged that talks are still at an early stage, while pointing to deeper trade relations, access to critical raw materials and common regulations on issues that “like-minded” countries care deeply about, such as social media and the protection of minors.
On Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed “associate membership” for Canada in her annual State of the Union address.
Canadian Prime Minister Carney is exploring closer ties with the bloc amid a trade war with the US, Canada’s biggest trading partner, with prohibitive tariffs in place. Under pressure from President Donald Trump, Ottawa is rethinking its place in the world, while Carney has been vocal in calling for an alliance of “middle powers”.
No reason for retaliation
After the announcement, Trump told reporters he would consider imposing fresh tariffs on the European Union if the bid for associate membership turns “hostile”.
Washington and Brussels have a trade deal in place, under which the EU faces a 15% tariff on goods.
Metsola played down the threats, saying the EU views its relationships with the two countries separately. She said that the EU does not work against anyone but acts as an advocate for rules-based cooperation.
She also pointed to the trade deal agreed last summer and ratified this year.
Separately, a spokesperson for the European Commission said: “The proposed strengthening of our partnership is not against anyone, but for our common strength.”
Carney is due to address the European Parliament on Thursday at 11.30am.
Peggy Corlin contributed to reporting.