‘Middle power bulls***’: Diplomats dismiss EU adding ‘associate members’

Timothy NerozziSeptember 18, 2026

European leaders are expanding their outreach beyond Canada, which recently expressed interest in an ambiguous “associate membership” with the European Union (EU). EU President Ursula von der Leyen has invited Canada to join as its first associate member, describing this move as part of an “Alliance for the Future,” though the exact implications of this status remain unclear. European officials have also indicated interest in extending similar invitations to other countries, including Australia. The article highlights the lack of detailed explanations regarding the benefits or changes this new membership status would bring to Canada, signaling a strategic shift in EU international relations and alliances.

Days after Canada agreed to pursue an ill-defined and counterintuitive “associate membership” with the European Union, the continental alliance is handing out further invitations to countries on the other side of the world.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen invited Canada on Wednesday to join the 27-nation bloc as its first associate member, framing it as an “Alliance for the Future.” EU officials have offered virtually zero explanation of what that status would mean or how it would change relations with Canada, but European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is already expanding the roster of possible candidates — and Australia is leaping to sign on the dotted line.