'Middle power bulls***': Diplomats dismiss EU adding 'associate members'
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.
TL;DR
- Canada has agreed to pursue an 'associate membership' with the European Union.
- The EU is extending invitations for associate membership to countries globally.
- The exact meaning and implications of this associate membership status are unclear.
- Australia is keen to become an associate member of the EU.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen framed the initiative as an 'Alliance for the Future.'