The program is regarded as a first step toward full membership.

He said, however, that it could be a key step toward membership eventually.

A senior American trade offical said the situation "could evolve toward full membership."

This process lasts a year and is the first step toward full membership.

Bosnia has begun taking the initial steps toward membership in the European Union.

Sweden made the move as a step toward membership in the European Community.

The association is currently listed as "working toward membership".

Turkey had the misperception that the customs union was a stepping stone toward full membership in the next year or two.

The clubs take a generally laissez-faire attitude toward membership.

The elegant idea was that immigration was simply the beginning of an inevitable transition toward full membership in a growing country.