Australia following Canada as EU associate member is ‘pure speculation,’ says Commission
Any discussions about other countries would come after "putting flesh on the bone" with Canada.
BRUSSELS — The European Commission dismissed the notion of extending its "associate membership" proposal to include Australia, as it hones the concept with Canada. Commission spokesperson Arianna Podestà stated, "We will not be speculating about other countries" when discussing the initiative. The remark was made following a confirmation that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during the UN General Assembly next week.
When asked if the meeting might allow for discussion on associate membership with Australia, Podestà firmly stated, "We have a very strong and close relationship with our Australian partners. All the rest is pure speculation, and we’re not going to enter into that." Von der Leyen previously proposed Canada as a potential first EU associate member in her State of the Union address, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressing support for closer ties but declining to endorse the proposed status.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has suggested Australia and New Zealand might follow in Canada's footsteps. However, Commission spokesperson Olof Gill emphasized that Brussels is presently concentrating exclusively on refining the concept with Ottawa, stressing, "What we're focused on here is putting flesh on the bone on this idea." All other conversations will occur afterward, Gill added.
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