Brussels reacted warmly to the results of a poll showing interest among Canadians in joining the European Union — before clarifying that the idea is a nonstarter.
The survey, conducted by Abacus Data in late February, found that 44 percent of Canadian respondents believe their country should join the EU, while only 34 percent oppose the idea. A broader question on general support for joining the bloc drew 46 percent approval.
“We are honored with the results of such a poll. It shows the attractiveness of the European Union, and it shows the appreciation of a very large share of Canadian citizens for the EU and its values,” said Paula Pinho, spokesperson for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, at the Commission’s Wednesday briefing, before adding that she “will not go into” a possible EU application from Ottawa.
Later, in response to a journalist’s question, Pinho confirmed that Article 49 of the Treaty on the European Union states that only European states can apply for EU membership.
Still, the poll underscores warming sentiment in Canada toward the EU: Some 68 percent of poll respondents said they hold a positive view of the bloc — double the 34 percent who said the same about the United States.
While Canadians overwhelmingly recognize Washington as their country’s most crucial international partner, the poll signals a shifting tide: More respondents saw the EU overtaking the U.S. as Canada’s primary global ally in the next three to five years.
Ottawa is also intent on deepening coordination with Brussels, especially on trade. As Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly hosted G7 leaders in Charlevoix on Wednesday, she signaled that aligning with Europe on U.S. retaliatory tariffs will be a top priority.
Posted by John3262005
9 Comments
There are work arounds for this. France, for example, already gives Canada a perpetual lease on 100 hectares for land around the Vimy Memorial on hill 145. It is already essentially ceded to Canada and could be completely handed over to give Canada European territory.
Booo
Such lack of imagination.
Change the name to Transatlantic Union and you’ve solved the problem.
I mean would joining the EU even be the best case scenario? Why not just a Norway/Iceland situation, that way we also avoid awkward discussions about the Euro?
Revert to The Crown with nominal fealty, total autonomy/independence otherwise —> (Re)join the EU alongside the UK as a package deal.
These b-EU-reaucrats have no sense of cockamamie grand strategy gameplay mechanics that we could imitate in real life if only we had the gumption.
*Will issue.*
So if Greenland became independent would they not be able to join the EU?
Brussels is getting sassy bc Germany ignoring Brussels to negotiate with Canada.
Cyprus isn’t in Europe so who cares
If New Zealand wants to join, sure fine
Cowards.
Why? Canada would be the fourth most populous nation, 3rd highest GDP, and by far open the EU to the most recourses. I’m sure Canada wants to expand their trading partners since the US has collapsed (spolier), but the EU would probably benefit even more.