Could Canada Join the European Union?

Since European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed making Canada an "associate member" of the European Union earlier this month, media dialogue has emerged on what the relationship could look like and how plausible it is.

For Context: The suggestion came during a speech von der Leyen made as Canada and the US have been locked in a trade war. The EU has 27 member nations, and all of them are located in Europe. There is no such classification as an "associate member."

Overarching Mood: Jon Henley of The Guardian (Left bias) argued that while there is currently no legal framework to incorporate Canada into the EU, it accurately portrays a current geopolitical "mood." Henley argued, "On paper, in a world of unpredictable and increasingly aggressive great powers, it makes perfect sense." He said that European industrial strategy, defense, AI, scientific research, and student exchange programs "would offer Canada a reliable counterweight to its all-too-unreliable southern neighbour." He added, "For the EU, meanwhile, Canada is a dream partner: a stable, like-minded 'middle power' rich in critical minerals, rare earths and – as Carney couldn't resist noting – good manners." Nonetheless, Henley described the nonexistence of "associate membership" as a nonstarter and said that Canada wouldn't be able to sign an associate agreement with the bloc "for the very good reason that it isn't in Europe."

Favored Nations: An opinion from the Editorial Board at The Financial Times (Center) also noted difficulties for Canada in joining the EU but argued "a more modest but more realistic partnership would be enough" and that at the upcoming Canada-EU summit, ambitions should be "high." The Board argued that the Canada situation shows the need for a more clearly defined vision of what it can offer key partners "such as the UK, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey, where membership is not on the horizon but where closer co-operation is imperative." Instead, the Board said the EU currently resorts to "ad hoc bilateralism," which "risks missing the opportunity for more deliberate strategic leadership."

Pointless Theater: Wolfgang Munchau of UnHerd (Center) likened the current geopolitical landscape to the pre-war period that ultimately resulted in the breakup of Austria-Hungary. He described chatter between the EU and Canada about it becoming an "associate member" as a futile effort taking place "in a world soon to be extinguished." Munchau wrote, "For the EU is not a global power, but something much more down to earth: a customs union and a single market, plus a monetary union among most of its members… Yet instead of focusing on the EU's core economic problems, where she has the power to bring about change, von der Leyen is engaged in a performative dance with Carney."

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