New Zealand is being talked about as a possible “associate member” of the European Union after the door was opened to Canada.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen today said Canada could be given the status in the wake of its ongoing trade war with Donald Trump’s US. Trump has imposed wide ranging tariffs on its northern neighbour but Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has stood firm.
The “associate member” offer seems to have come as a surprise to many in Europe. But one official said it could be expanded to other countries which have trade deals with European bloc, including New Zealand.
Politico Europe reported: “Canada would be the first, but potentially not the only, country in the club: Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan have all been mentioned as possible future members, the official added.”
New Zealand signed a trade deal with the EU worth an estimated $1.8 billion in 2023.
European Commission President von der Leyen said today: "This is a partnership not against anyone else, but for our common strength. In short, we want to bring the relationship with Canada to the highest level possible."
Canada would be the first associate member, if it happens. The EU is the world’s third biggest economy, after the US and China. It has 27 member states as well as countries like Norway which are not members but are in the linked European Economic Area.
The Politico report suggested associate membership would not at first give rights to live in the EU. Instead, it could create “a new category of partners for enhanced free trade and cooperation on areas including defense, AI and high-tech science” according to diplomats.
Canada welcomed the offer but didn’t commit to it. Germany, one of the main players in the EU, said: “I think we should give that some more thought,” Politico reported.
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