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Could Canada join the EU? A German politician’s bold vision amid shifting alliances
A German politician has sparked a unique debate, proposing that Canada could one day join the European Union. Joachim Streit, a member of the European Parliament, has launched a determined campaign advocating for deeper ties between Canada and the EU, driven by concerns over global instability and waning trust in the United States under Donald Trump’s leadership.
A bold vision for transatlantic unity
Streit, who describes his idea as “aspirational,” believes Canada is the most European country outside of Europe. He points to Canada’s strong economy, NATO membership, and high education levels as reasons it would be a valuable EU member. If it were to join, Canada would rank as the EU’s fourth-largest economy by GDP and contribute vast energy reserves, a critical asset as Europe continues to reduce its dependence on Russian gas.
The proposal, while unlikely to materialize in the short term, comes amid a backdrop of strained relations between Canada and the United States. Trump’s return to power has reignited fears of economic instability and isolationism, making Europe an appealing partner for Canada.
Political and legal hurdles
Despite the enthusiasm, significant legal barriers stand in the way. The EU treaty currently allows only European states to apply for membership, a point reiterated by an EU spokesperson earlier this year. Yet Streit challenges this interpretation, citing examples like France’s overseas territories and Cyprus, which geographically lie outside Europe but are part of the EU. He also notes the symbolic connection between Canada and Europe through Greenland, a Danish territory bordering Canada.
In April, Streit submitted a formal query to the European Parliament, asking whether the treaty could be revised or reinterpreted to allow Canadian membership. While awaiting a response, he has proposed a symbolic step forward: a professional exchange program to foster mutual understanding between Canadian and EU institutions.
Growing interest on both sides
The idea of closer ties between Canada and the EU has gained traction in recent months. Sigmar Gabriel, Germany’s former foreign minister, suggested earlier this year that Canada should be invited into the EU, calling it “more European than some current member states.” A February poll revealed that 44% of Canadians supported exploring EU membership, further highlighting a growing interest in transatlantic cooperation.
Streit has also engaged directly with Canadian representatives, meeting with diplomats and trade organizations to discuss potential avenues for collaboration. His campaign has received support from individuals who share his vision, including creative suggestions on how to navigate Canada’s geographic and political challenges.
A fleeting opportunity?
While Streit acknowledges that full EU membership for Canada may remain unattainable, he hopes his campaign will inspire stronger partnerships, akin to the EU’s relationships with Norway or Switzerland. “Sometimes, windows of opportunity open and close quickly,” he said, emphasizing the need to act decisively in times of geopolitical uncertainty.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has yet to comment on the proposal, but as global dynamics continue to shift, the idea of a deeper Canada-EU alliance may only grow in relevance.
