Recognizing that expanding membership increases the value of the database and provides benefits for all involved, ETDE encourages and welcomes new Contracting Parties. Following that declaration, the OA will undertake correspondence with the entity to provide information about membership rights and obligations. If an entity is seriously interested in membership, an invitation to observe a meeting of the ETDE Executive Committee will be extended. As part of the membership approval process, potential new countries must send a letter to the IEA Executive Director designating a Contracting Party. The designated Contracting Party may be a national agency, public organization, private corporation, company, or other entity.
Membership becomes active on the country's first instance of participation in at least one project.