Victoria
Australia could become European Union associate member
The president of the European Parliament has suggested Australia and New Zealand could follow Canada into a new form of EU membership.
The European Parliament has raised the prospect of Australia and New Zealand joining the European Union as associate members, following discussions regarding a similar potential arrangement with Canada.
According to a wire report, the president of the European Parliament hinted that the two Pacific nations could eventually follow Canada in seeking closer formal integration with the European bloc. The development comes as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the prospect of his nation becoming the first associate member of the Union.
At this stage, very few details have been made public regarding what an associate membership would look like for countries outside of Europe. The specific economic, political, or regulatory commitments required for such a status remain undisclosed, and it is not yet clear whether formal talks have commenced.
The concept of associate membership for non-European nations is relatively unprecedented. Historically, closer ties with Brussels have been reserved for neighbouring states or those seeking eventual full integration. The inclusion of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand would mark a significant departure from this traditional approach.
Neither the Australian government nor the New Zealand government has released an official response to the European Parliament president's remarks. It is also unconfirmed how such a proposal would align with Australia's existing trade agreements and regional security pacts in the Indo-Pacific.
We will watch to see if the Australian government issues a formal response to the European Parliament's proposal in the coming days.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
Dedicated to a Stronger Victoria.
A message from the editor, September
Every story here is free to read. Only readers keep it that way.
We take no government money, run no paywall, and answer to nobody in Spring Street. That independence is paid for by a small number of readers, not the many who benefit from it. If just one in a hundred of today's readers gave $8 a month, our Victorian politics coverage would be funded for the year.
- Funds reporting, not shareholders
- Cancel in one click, anytime
- Supporter badge and reply access
Prefer a one-off? Send a tip. It takes about twenty seconds.