Published on
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, holding both Canadian and British passports, represents a unique bridge between the Anglophone world and a Europe increasingly wary of US isolationism.
And the summit in Armenia could offer Canada a vital opening to build new European ties.
Some 57% of Canadians now support joining the 27-member bloc, with 84% prioritising stronger economic ties as a buffer against US political turmoil.
The latest surveys show that most Germans and Spaniards back Canada’s EU accession, while in Poland, France and Italy, proponents significantly outweigh those against it.
Ottawa is no geopolitical lightweight: Canada’s population is around 41.5 million, roughly 10% of the EU’s.
Although it is a founding NATO member, it remains outside the European Economic Area. However, its GDP per capita remains significantly higher than the EU average, so if Canada were ever to enter the union, it would be a wealthy net contributor.
However, despite the public enthusiasm, the “Brussels bubble” has issued a polite reality check.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos recently said that Canada fails the “European state” requirement of Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union.
Unlike Ukraine, Turkey or Cyprus, Canada lacks the geographic and ancient cultural connections necessary to satisfy current treaties without a total legal overhaul.
However, the relationship could evolve toward a bespoke model mirroring Norway’s or Switzerland’s: a “close family” bond that provides deep integration into the single market and security programmes, while stopping just short of a formal marriage.
And for that, Canadians could one day say “yes”. Or “oui”, as both English and French are the official languages.
Watch the Euronews video in the player above for the full story.