PM won’t rule out a European union

By the Editorial Team · Monday, September 21, 2026

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did not rule out the possibility of Australia eventually joining the European Union, while emphasizing the country’s current focus on implementing a recent free-trade agreement with the EU and maintaining regional partnerships. This comes amid rising trade tensions between the US and Canada, where Canada’s move toward EU associate membership has strained relations with Washington and sparked discussions about shifting international alliances.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has declined to rule out the possibility of the country eventually joining the European Union, amid tensions between the United States and Canada over the latter’s recent move toward closer ties with the EU.

The comments came after US President Donald Trump criticized Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for advancing Canada’s position as the first associate member of the EU, describing the development as potentially “hostile” toward Washington. Mr. Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau as prime minister in 2025, halted trade negotiations with the US in August due to last-minute demands by Washington and concerns over Canadian sovereignty. Since then, both countries have implemented a series of reciprocal tariffs affecting key sectors such as alcohol and automotive industries, intensifying their ongoing trade dispute.

In response to the escalating tensions, Canada was offered associate membership status by the EU, a first for any country. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola recently suggested in an interview that Australia and New Zealand might consider similar arrangements with the EU, raising questions about potential shifts in international trade alignments.

When questioned about the prospect of Australia joining the EU, Prime Minister Albanese acknowledged that geographically the nation is distant from Europe and emphasized Australia’s current priorities. “We have a very good relationship with the European Union,” he stated, highlighting the country’s focus on implementing a free-trade agreement with the EU. Canberra and Brussels signed this agreement in March following lengthy negotiations.

Albanese also pointed to Australia’s active engagement in the Asia-Pacific region, referencing its status as a dialogue partner with ASEAN and its participation in the Pacific Islands Forum, underscoring the country’s current strategic priorities in regional partnerships.

While Mr. Albanese did not dismiss the idea of future closer ties with the EU, his comments suggest that Australia’s immediate efforts remain concentrated on strengthening existing trade agreements and regional relationships rather than pursuing EU membership.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.