Associate organisations are independent of the Free Software Foundation Europe and entirely autonomous. They are completely self-run and -managed in all aspects (such as membership, statutes, finances and so on).
Being associate means being formally allied and having immediate access to the FSFE. So associates are usually involved in the internal communication and consideration process. Also we will work together for campaigns and events such as tradeshows.
As a lot of the regular work is often done by volunteers from associate organisations, joining one of these organisations is an easy way of becoming involved in the FSFE's activities.
If you wish to know more about the associate status, you will find that information here.