Australia following Canada as EU associate member is ‘pure speculation,’ says Commission

BRUSSELS ― The European Commission played down the prospect of extending its newly floated “associate membership” concept beyond Canada, at least while Brussels works out the details with Ottawa. “We have made an announcement that relates to our intention to get closer to our Canadian partners via a process that will possibly go in that direction,” Commission spokesperson Arianna Podestà told reporters in Brussels on Friday. “We will not be speculating about other countries.” Her comments came as she confirmed that Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly next week.