New Zealand's foreign ministry says it has not engaged in talks with the EU about becoming an associate member, following EU suggestions that Canada could be offered such a status. European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen framed the idea as a way to strengthen alliances in "an openly hostile world," while the proposal drew criticism from US President Donald Trump. EU officials said Australia and New Zealand could also seek deeper ties, but New Zealand has confirmed no formal discussions have taken place.
New Zealand Says It Has Not Discussed EU Associate Membership After Bloc Floats Idea for Canada
FILE PHOTO: European Union flags flutter outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium April 29, 2026. REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo
By Lucy Craymer and Alasdair Pal
WELLINGTON, Sept 18 (Reuters) — New Zealand's foreign ministry said on Friday it has not held any discussions with the European Union about becoming an associate member, after EU leaders suggested a similar arrangement could be opened to Canada.
"There have been no discussions with the EU about New Zealand becoming an associate member," a spokesperson for Foreign Minister Winston Peters said.
Why the Idea Has Emerged
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday she wanted to open the door to Canada becoming the EU's first "associate member" as part of efforts to deepen ties among allies in what she described as "an openly hostile world." The proposal is framed as a way for the bloc to build stronger strategic and regulatory links with like-minded partners.
International Reactions
The proposal drew a sharp reaction from US President Donald Trump, who warned the EU it could face tariffs if it pursued the plan and dismissed the idea as "laughable." European Parliament President Roberta Metsola suggested other countries, including Australia and New Zealand, could follow Canada in seeking closer cooperation with the EU.
"I don't doubt that will also include other countries that will come," Metsola said in an interview with Euronews, adding that lawmakers already see partners from across the world seeking to deepen their relationships through legislation and other measures.
Australian Trade Minister Don Farrell said on Tuesday that Australia was "on the same page" as Canada in pursuing deeper ties with the EU.
What This Means For New Zealand
For now, New Zealand has made clear there have been no formal talks. Any future move toward associate membership would require detailed negotiations and political buy-in from both the EU and the prospective partner countries. The conversation highlights how alliances and trade relationships are being re-evaluated amid growing geopolitical tensions.
(Reporting by Lucy Craymer in Wellington and Alasdair Pal in Sydney; Editing by Jamie Freed)
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