The European Commission has dismissed the idea of expanding its concept of "associate membership" beyond Canada, at least until the details of this plan are clarified with Ottawa. Ariana Podesta, a spokesperson for the Commission, said on Friday in Brussels: "We have announced that we intend to get closer to our Canadian partners, and this process may go in that direction." She added: "We will not speculate about other countries."
Discussions with the Prime Minister of Australia
Podesta confirmed that the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will meet with Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, next week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, stating that this meeting will not be an opportunity to discuss the idea of associate membership with Australia. She emphasized: "We have a very strong and close relationship with our Australian partners, and everything else is just speculation, and we will not engage in that."
Read more: Canada introduced as the first associate member of the European Union
Details of associate membership with Canada
Von der Leyen introduced Canada as the first "associate member" of the European Union in her speech at the annual EU meeting. The Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, welcomed this idea but has not confirmed the proposed status. Additionally, Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, stated that countries like Australia and New Zealand could follow Canada.
However, Alof Gill, a spokesperson for the Commission, emphasized that Brussels is currently focused solely on developing this idea with Ottawa. He added: "What we are focusing on here is laying the groundwork and shaping this idea, and we are working with member countries and Canadian partners to clarify this concept. All other discussions will come after that."
Read more: Ursula von der Leyen proposed Canada’s 'partner' membership in the European Union · Carney seeks to establish closer cooperation with the European Union
