Canada & EU Membership: Could it Happen?
- Despite never having visited Canada, German politician Joachim Streit is advocating for the country to join the European Union.Streit, a member of the european Parliament, describes his campaign...
- “We have to strengthen the european Union,” streit said,noting that Canada,in his view,is the most European country outside of Europe.
- Streit's vision gained momentum after Donald Trump's return to power, which strained relations between the U.S.
Could Canada become a member of the european Union? German politician Joachim Streit is championing the idea, arguing it would bolster the EU’s strength, especially given shifting global dynamics and strained relations with the U.S. Streit, a member of the European Parliament, sees Canada as the most “European” country outside of Europe and emphasizes thier strong economy, NATO membership, and educated population. He believes Canada’s vast energy reserves could also benefit the EU. news Directory 3 has the story. Even though treaty limitations pose a challenge, Streit is undeterred, proposing a “political Erasmus” program to deepen integration. Discover what’s next for this unlikely alliance.
German Politician Pushes for Canada EU Membership
Despite never having visited Canada, German politician Joachim Streit is advocating for the country to join the European Union.Streit, a member of the european Parliament, describes his campaign as “aspirational,” driven by a desire to strengthen the EU.
“We have to strengthen the european Union,” streit said,noting that Canada,in his view,is the most European country outside of Europe.
Streit’s vision gained momentum after Donald Trump’s return to power, which strained relations between the U.S. and its allies. He sees an possibility to strengthen ties between Europe and Canada,especially as both grapple with shifting global dynamics.
“Canadians have seen their trust in the US undermined, just as we have in Europe, following President Trump’s actions,” he said. “We need to strengthen the ties that bind us to our friends.”
While acknowledging that full Canada EU membership might be a long shot, Streit believes the idea is worth exploring. He emphasizes Canada’s economic strength, its NATO membership, and the high percentage of Canadians with college degrees.
“Canada would be a strong member,” he said. “If Canada would be a member of the EU, it would rank 4th in terms of GDP. It’s part of Nato. And 58% of (working-age) Canadians have college degrees.”
Canada’s vast energy reserves could also benefit the EU, which is working to reduce its reliance on Russian gas, Streit added.
since launching his campaign, Streit has become a leading voice for this proposition, which has gained traction amid discussions of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state.
Former German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel also suggested inviting Canada into the EU, stating that it is “more European than some European member states anyway.”
A recent poll indicated that 44% of Canadians believe Canada should explore joining the EU.
Despite a European spokesperson citing treaty limitations that restrict EU membership to European states, Streit remains undeterred. He points to france’s overseas territories and Cyprus as examples of EU territories located outside of Europe.
He also notes the geographical connection between Canada and Europe through Greenland, a Danish territory.
Streit has formally questioned the European Parliament about the possibility of interpreting or revising the treaty to allow for Canadian membership. He has yet to receive a response.
He has proposed a “political Erasmus” exchange program between the EU and Canada to foster deeper understanding and integration, building on existing ties like the EU-Canada trade deal and Canada’s participation in the Horizon science research program.
Streit has been actively engaging with Canadian officials and trade associations, receiving emails of support and suggestions on how to overcome geographical limitations. One argument highlights Canada’s ties to the UK through the Commonwealth.
“And who is the head of Canada?” he asked, pointing to King Charles. “And he’s a European.”
Streit recognizes the challenges but hopes to forge stronger ties between the EU and Canada, similar to those with Norway or Switzerland.
“Sometimes in history, the windows of opportunity open and close again,” he said. “And sometimes, the windows of opportunity are open only for a brief moment.”