Canada and the European Union are exploring closer ties as geopolitical shifts and trade tensions with the U.S. prompt Ottawa to seek new international partnerships.
Key facts
- •A Nanos Research poll from April found that 28% of Canadians support full EU membership, with 29% expressing 'somewhat' support.
- •The EU’s Article 49 limits membership to European states, a definition that has historically excluded countries like Morocco.
- •The UK-EU trade deal, which includes no tariffs or quotas, is cited as a potential reference point for future Canada-EU cooperation.
- •Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged 'middle powers' to collaborate to avoid being exploited by larger nations' economic leverage.
- •Canada is currently the only non-European member of NATO alongside the United States.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is scheduled to visit Strasbourg in mid-September to attend the European Commission’s State of the Union address and speak before the EU’s parliamentary assembly. This visit marks a significant step in a rapprochement between Ottawa and Brussels, occurring as Canada navigates a trade conflict with the United States. The engagement is seen as an opportunity for both sides to strengthen their bond and explore new forms of cooperation.
By the numbers
The Question of EU Membership
While some political figures, such as Italian MEP Sandro Gozi, suggest that the current geopolitical climate makes the discussion of EU membership unavoidable, significant legal and geographical hurdles remain. Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union restricts membership to European states. Experts like Sebastien Maillard of the Jacques Delors Institute note that the EU is a regional entity and that Canada is geographically outside the European space, citing the 1987 rejection of Morocco’s membership bid as a historical precedent.
Potential Models for Association
Rather than full membership, analysts suggest Canada could pursue a 'special association' or a model similar to the United Kingdom’s post-Brexit relationship with the EU. This could involve enhanced political dialogue, joint defense initiatives, or deeper integration with the single market. However, experts warn that single-market access would require Canada to align with European law without having a role in shaping it, which could present democratic challenges.
Shared Geopolitical Interests
Canada and the EU are already aligned through shared values and participation in international forums like the G7 and NATO. Prime Minister Carney has recently emphasized the need for 'middle powers' to act collectively to protect their interests in a changing global order. In May, Carney attended a meeting of the European Political Community in Armenia, signaling a growing interest in strategic alignment with European partners.
Timeline
- 1987The European Communities rejected Morocco’s membership application and debated the status of Turkey.
- JanuaryMark Carney urged 'middle powers' to unite during a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
- AprilNanos Research published a poll regarding Canadian support for EU membership.
- MayMark Carney attended a meeting of the European Political Community in Armenia.
- Mid-SeptemberMark Carney is scheduled to visit Strasbourg to address the EU’s parliamentary assembly.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Euronews Business.
