This week, Canada became an 'associate member' of the European Union (EU), a position that did not previously exist and is not yet clearly defined.
Australia and New Zealand could be the next countries to join, with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola saying "we want to deepen our relationship" with them.
The move comes amid heightened tensions between Canada and the U.S. since Donald Trump returned to office last year.
Here's what you need to know.
Background
The European Union is a bloc of 27 countries that share a currency (the euro), trade freely, and have agreements to ensure ease of travel across their borders.
It contains three main organisations: the Council, the Commission, and the elected Parliament, which works with the Commission on legislation for the member states.
Governments are then able to adapt some of this legislation to fit their laws.
In 2019, for example, the EU banned some single-use plastics.
Member states had to follow the ban but could implement their own recycling programs.
Canada
On Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered the annual State of the EU address, where she invited Canada to become the EU's first 'associate member'.
There is currently no actual role or official associate member status in EU rules or treaties.
Von der Leyen listed areas where Canada will be, or is already, working with the EU, including energy, critical minerals, AI, cyber and economic security, as well as a "tech alliance" and "integrate[d] defence industrial bases".
In 2027, Canada will make its debut in the Eurovision Song Contest.
It will be the first country to join the competition since Australia in 2015.
Your contribution ensures The Daily Aus can continue doing the work you love.
I want to give $10 monthly to help TDA keep doing the news.
Your details:
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) is a full member of the European Broadcasting Union, while SBS – Australia's Eurovision broadcasting partner – is an associate member.
"In a rapidly changing world, Canada's new government proposes the deepest possible partnership between Canada and the EU," Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told the European Parliament on Thursday (local time).
Australia
In an interview with Euronews on Thursday, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said more countries could also become associate members in the future.
Metsola specifically pointed to Australia and New Zealand as countries the European Parliament "want[s] to deepen our relationship [with]".
In a News24 interview on Friday, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Matt Thistlethwaite said the Government will weigh up if any such proposal is "in Australia's national interest".
U.S. response
Tensions between Canada and its southern neighbour the U.S. have been high since Trump's return to office.
The U.S. President has repeatedly said he wants to make Canada the 51st state, and both countries have imposed tariffs on each other despite previous free trade agreements.
When asked about the proposed 'associate membership' on Wednesday (local time), Trump called Canada a "terrible trade partner".
"If I think it's at all a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe on many things," Trump said.
What's next?
If the 'associate member' status were to become an official, enshrined position, it would need to be unanimously passed by all 27 EU member states.
The EU and Canada entered into a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in 2017, eliminating most taxes on goods between the country and the Union.
It is unclear if the CETA would continue if an official associate membership was created.
Almost a decade later, 10 EU member governments are yet to ratify the CETA.
