Canada’s potential application to join the European Union has been a topic of discussion amidst increasing tensions with the United States. Social media users have been calling for Canada to join the EU as a response to hostility from President Donald Trump. Many believe that Canada’s European-style healthcare system, English and French-speaking culture, and participation in NATO make it a suitable candidate for EU membership. With new Prime Minister Mark Carney expressing interest in maintaining positive relations with both Europe and the US, there is growing support in Canada for joining the EU.
Despite the support within Canada, the possibility of Canada actually joining the EU is questionable based on current EU laws. Article 49 of the Treaty on the European Union states that only European states can apply for EU membership. While the treaty does not explicitly define what constitutes a “European State”, it emphasizes the importance of geographical and cultural ties. The membership of the Council of Europe also serves as a criteria for determining Europeaness. Canada’s lack of geographic proximity, historical ties, and membership in the Council of Europe pose significant obstacles to it becoming an EU member.
Historically, some non-European countries have applied to join the EU. Cyprus and Turkey, despite being geographically located in West Asia, have pursued EU membership with varying degrees of progress. However, Morocco’s 1987 application was rejected due to its non-European status. These examples highlight the complexities of determining Europeaness and the limitations on non-European countries seeking EU membership. In the case of Canada, the lack of geographical proximity to Europe, absence of ancient connections to European culture, and non-membership in the Council of Europe present significant barriers to EU admission.
The unique cases of Cyprus and Turkey, both of which have cultural and historical ties to Europe, do not provide a precedent for Canada’s potential EU membership. The European Commission’s decision to consider Cyprus and Turkey for EU membership was based on their roles in European culture and civilization, as well as their close links to the continent. In contrast, Canada’s lack of these connections would require a significant legal overhaul of the EU treaties for it to be eligible for membership. The geographic, cultural, and political differences between Canada and Europe suggest that Canada’s chances of joining the EU are slim.
The debate over whether Canada could join the European Union highlights the complexities of EU membership criteria and the legal barriers facing non-European countries seeking admission. While there is growing support within Canada for EU membership, the current EU laws and historical precedents suggest that Canada’s application would face significant challenges. The need for a fundamental overhaul of the treaties to accommodate non-European countries like Canada points to the unlikelihood of such a scenario. As discussions continue on this topic, it remains to be seen whether Canada will pursue formal efforts to join the EU or explore alternative ways to strengthen its international relationships.
