Roberta Metsola
Role at the time: President of the European Parliament, speaking in an interview with Euronews
Statement summary
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola told Euronews that she does not doubt associate membership will include other countries and that others will come knocking at the EU's door, saying that in uncertain times having friends matters. Anadolu Agency reported that she said Australia and New Zealand could follow Canada.
“I don't doubt that it will include other countries, and others will come knocking at our door In such times of uncertainty, having friends matters”
Why we used this label
The reference point is the offer to make Canada the first associate member of the European Union. Metsola, speaking to Euronews about the offer, said she does not doubt the arrangement will include other countries and that others will come knocking, adding that in uncertain times having friends matters. Anadolu reported that she said Australia and New Zealand could follow Canada. That treats the offer as something to build on, so we labeled it Defended or excused.