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

Live updates

1. 1d ago

   EU considers associate membership for Canada, Australia, and New Zealand

   The European Union has invited Canada to become its first ever associate member, a move welcomed by Canada's Mark Carney. EU President Metsola told Euronews that Australia and New Zealand could also follow Canada into this status. The proposal seeks to create a middle powers alliance to counter threats from Donald Trump, including potential tariffs. While Canada views the offer as a way to forge an Alliance for the Future, the specific terms of associate membership do not currently exist and must be defined.

   Why it matters

   Canada is pursuing a unique alliance with the EU as ties with the United States remain fraught. This shift follows efforts by Donald Trump to pressure Canada, which some sources claim pushed the nation toward Europe. The move represents a strategic attempt to secure trade and political stability outside of US influence.

   What is confirmed

   • The EU has invited Canada to become its first ever associate member.
   • Mark Carney welcomed the EU invitation for Canada.
   • The proposed associate membership status does not yet exist.
   • Canada and the EU are seeking a middle powers alliance to counter threats from Donald Trump.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The EU is pursuing a hostile trade pact with Canada to annoy Donald Trump.

   What to watch next

   • Implementation of US tariffs against Canada in response to the EU partnership.
   Sources used for this update (20)

   1. CNN — Canada is pursuing a ‘unique alliance’ with the EU as US ties remain fraught. Here’s what we know
   2. Axios — Canada could become the EU's first "associate member"
   3. The New York Times — Trump Wanted Canada as the 51st State. He Ended Up Pushing It Toward the European Union.
   4. The Washington Post — Opinion | Canada’s great European misadventure
   5. cnbc.com — ‘Stronger together’: Carney welcomes EU invite for Canada to become first-ever associate member
   6. Fortune — Europe has a new way to annoy Trump: A ‘hostile’ trade pact with Canada as an ‘associate member’ of the EU
   7. Politico — Canada might not join the EU. Why Trump slapped down the idea anyway
   8. NBC News — Canada and E.U. seek ‘middle powers’ alliance to counter Trump threats
   9. Yahoo — Australia and New Zealand could follow Canada into associated EU membership, Metsola tells Euronews
   10. Yahoo — Trump Threatens Tariffs as Canada Explores Deeper Trade Partnership With EU
   11. CNBC — CNBC Daily Open: Trump's tariff leverage, EU warning and Iran hopes
   12. CBS News — Canada's Mark Carney and the EU shrug off Trump's threats, looking to forge an "Alliance for the Future"
   confidence 90%