Since assuming office, Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed a strong desire to reduce Canada’s economic reliance on the United States. He has highlighted Europe as a key market for Canadian exports. Speaking at an EU-Canada summit in Brussels last June, Carney emphasized Canada’s close ties with the European Union.
Subsequently, there has been a progressive deepening of integration between Canada and the EU. A security and defense partnership was inked, and most recently, both parties agreed to enhance their existing free trade agreement.
The growing closeness between Europe and Canada has sparked discussions on the possibility of Canada joining the EU. Experts and former officials have weighed in on the feasibility and potential benefits and drawbacks of such a move.
Augusto Lopez-Claros, a former World Bank economist and executive director of the Global Governance Forum, believes that Canada could join the EU with some adjustments to the Treaty on European Union. While the current treaty restricts membership to “European states,” Lopez-Claros suggests that revisions could be made to allow Canada’s entry.
Lopez-Claros argues that Canada already aligns with the values of the EU and joining would enhance Canada’s global influence. However, Prime Minister Carney has clarified that Canada aims for a closer partnership with the EU without seeking full membership.
On the other hand, trade expert Meredith Lilly warns that joining the EU could compromise Canada’s sovereignty and dilute its interests within the larger EU framework. Lilly also points out potential challenges related to border treaties and immigration policies.
Fen Osler Hampson, from the Expert Group on Canada-U.S. Relations, dismisses the idea of EU membership for Canada as impractical and suggests an alternative alliance model. He proposes a modern version of the Hanseatic League, involving Canada, key EU members, and other nations like the UK, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. This alliance could serve as a counterbalance to great powers and safeguard sovereignty.
While there is growing interest among Canadians in the idea of EU membership due to strained relations with the US, the practical implications and trade-offs need careful consideration. Joining the EU would not only impact Canada’s autonomy but also entail complex adjustments in trade policies and relationships.
