I agree it's a bit sloppy but understandable (for me) since legislation/directives is where we (Norway) is most aligned with the EU. As adapting EU directives is a part of the EEA/EØS deal (with some exceptions).

As for other central EU features like open market, currency, sovereignty (particularly naval), freedom of movement, we are on the outside of the union and I wouldn't sloppily consider or phrase us an EU country.