Could Canada join the European Union? rising public support and strategic interest amid US tensions
Why Canadians are considering the EU
EU reaction: curious, but skeptical
Live Events
Legal and logistical hurdles
Strategic realignment in the making?
In a geopolitical twist few anticipated a decade ago, a growing number of Canadians are contemplating what once seemed unthinkable — joining the European Union. Recent polling data and shifting trade dynamics have reignited discussions around a potential Canada-EU partnership that goes far beyond trade deals.A March 2025 survey conducted by Abacus Data found that 46 per cent of Canadians support the idea of EU membership, with only 29 per cent opposing it. The remaining 25 per cent are undecided, signaling a nation increasingly curious about alternative global alignments. This comes amid rising political and economic tensions between Canada and the United States, largely fueled by President Donald Trump's renewed protectionist agenda and confrontational rhetoric toward traditional allies.Also read: Trump threatens EU & Canada with 'large scale tariffs' if they team up against US The interest in EU membership is not purely symbolic. Canada is facing renewed economic pressure from Washington, including heavy tariffs on key Canadian exports like steel, aluminum, and softwood lumber. With bilateral relations deteriorating, Canadian businesses and policymakers are actively exploring ways to reduce economic dependency on the US, which accounts for over 75 per cent of Canada's exports.This political climate has made the European Union, a bloc seen as standing for stability, multilateralism , and economic opportunity, a more attractive partner. Canada already enjoys a robust trade agreement with the EU via the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), but many now believe a deeper political and economic integration could provide the country with more autonomy and resilience.European leaders have taken note. Paula Pinho, a spokesperson for the European Commission, responded to the poll results by saying that the EU is "honored" by Canadian interest. However, she was quick to clarify that only geographically European nations are currently eligible for EU membership under the bloc's treaties, effectively ruling out formal membership for now.Nonetheless, the poll has stirred political debate across Europe and Canada. Some European commentators have suggested the possibility of a "privileged partnership" or a new transatlantic political mechanism, allowing Canada deeper integration without formal membership.Also read: Trade war is on: From meat to toilet paper, EU imposes $28 billion in tariffs on U.S. products, making goods more expensive for billions and pushing global economies toward recession Experts are quick to note that Canada's accession to the EU would require a complete overhaul of the EU's constitutional framework. Moreover, even if eligible, Canada would have to adopt policies aligned with the EU's economic, environmental, and human rights standards—something it already aligns closely with, making such a partnership more feasible than with other outsiders.While formal EU membership for Canada remains highly improbable in the near term, the conversation reflects a strategic shift. Canada is no longer content with being economically tethered to an unpredictable US administration. The growing interest in the EU underscores a broader public appetite for multilateralism, economic diversification, and global cooperation As global politics continue to evolve, one thing is clear: Canada's future may lie not just in its backyard, but across the Atlantic.
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