In a thought-provoking discussion about Canada’s potential future, some experts suggest that the country could join the European Union, although this remains highly unlikely. According to a recent survey reported by Politico, 44% of Canadians support the idea of joining the EU, while 34% oppose it. The European Commission's Press Secretary, Paula Pinho, emphasized that only European countries have the right to be members of the EU, which complicates Canada's aspirations.
Professor Frank Schimmelpfennig from the Swiss Higher Technical School of Zurich argues that Canada aligns closely with European values, governance structures, and political ideologies, potentially making it more compatible than some current candidate nations. He stated, "Canada could have the right to join the EU. In many ways, it is closer to European values, government bodies, and politics than many of the current candidate countries." This sentiment is echoed by Professor Gisel Bosse from Maastricht University, who believes that the idea of a "European state" is more of a conceptual framework than a legally defined term. She noted, "European identity is more of an image of thought," suggesting that the definition of what constitutes a European nation is fluid.
Bosse elaborated on the unique position of Canadians, referring to them as "special Europeans" due to their European ancestry and the political and legal systems they have adopted. This historical connection to Europe adds a layer of complexity to the discussion of Canada's EU membership.
However, Ian Bond, Deputy Director of the Center for European Reforms, cautioned that proving Canada's European identity would be extremely challenging. He pointed out that even if Canada could pass a hypothetical test of "European-ness," practical economic considerations would pose significant barriers. Bond explained that if Canada were to join the EU, it would need to establish a customs border with the United States and implement EU tariffs and restrictions on American imports. He warned, "Such changes could become prohibitively expensive for the country from an economic point of view, and the disadvantages would outweigh the possible advantages."
The current landscape of EU membership is already crowded, with nine countries—Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Montenegro—vying for entry. The EU also considers the unrecognized state of Kosovo as a candidate. With such a competitive field, Canada’s chances of joining appear slim.
In a related development, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced that Canada may engage in the rearmament of Europe. During his visit to Quebec on April 14, 2025, he stated, "[The strategy] 'Rearming Europe' is a major defense initiative, and we intend to work with our European partners, to guarantee that Canada becomes part of this process." This initiative underscores Canada's commitment to strengthening its ties with Europe, even if full EU membership remains a distant prospect.
The conversation surrounding Canada’s potential entry into the EU raises important questions about identity, economics, and international relations. While many Canadians express a desire for closer ties with Europe, the practical implications of such a move remain complex and fraught with challenges. As the world continues to evolve, Canada’s relationship with Europe will undoubtedly be a topic of ongoing discussion among policymakers and citizens alike.
