Australia and New Zealand could follow Canada into associated EU membership, Metsola tells Euronews

Key Points:

• European Parliament President Roberta Metsola revealed that countries like Australia and New Zealand could become "associate members" of the EU, a status positioned between full membership and candidate status to deepen ties with like-minded nations.
• The EU already has trade agreements with Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, providing a foundation for closer cooperation involving trade, access to raw materials, and shared regulations on issues such as social media and protection of minors.
• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently proposed associate membership for Canada during her State of the Union address, as Canada seeks closer ties amid a trade war with the US and aims to form an alliance of "middle powers."
• Despite US President Donald Trump's threats of new tariffs on the EU if associate membership becomes "hostile," Metsola emphasized that the EU pursues rules-based cooperation and does not act against any country, highlighting existing trade agreements with the US.
• Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to address the European Parliament to discuss these evolving relationships and the potential for strengthened partnerships.