Meeting with MEP for Canada-EU Integration
- While never having resided in Canada, Joachim Streit, a German member of the European Parliament (MEP) from the Renew Europe group, envisions a closer relationship between Canada and...
- What began as seemingly a political jest, with former U.S.
- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, during his first international trip in March, notably visited Europe before Washington. In Paris, Carney remarked that Canada was "the most European of...
Canada’s EU Membership: A European Parliamentarian’s Vision
While never having resided in Canada, Joachim Streit, a German member of the European Parliament (MEP) from the Renew Europe group, envisions a closer relationship between Canada and the European Union. Streit described Canada as a “dream of freedom and better America,” echoing sentiments of immigrants who have sought opportunity there, according to Euronews.
From Political Mockery to Serious Debate
What began as seemingly a political jest, with former U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Canada could become the 51st U.S. state, has evolved into a more nuanced discussion about canada’s potential alignment with Europe.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, during his first international trip in March, notably visited Europe before Washington. In Paris, Carney remarked that Canada was ”the most European of non-European countries,” referencing the nation’s French and British heritage.
parliamentarian Pushes for Closer Ties
Fueled by a poll indicating that 46% of Canadians would support joining the EU, Streit has brought the question of Canadian membership before the European Commission.
The European Commission previously addressed the topic amidst social media discussions following remarks from Donald Trump. A spokesperson cited Article 49 of the European Union Treaty, which states that only “European states” can apply for membership.
Undeterred, Streit posed a parliamentary question to the EU executive body, emphasizing the potential benefits of Canada’s inclusion.He argued that it “would expand its single market, would create selling opportunities, would facilitate the exchange of goods and services and would be better able to withstand pricing threats and risks for global security.”
Streit has formally inquired whether the Commission would consider a legal revision of Article 49 to accommodate Canada’s membership. as of now, he awaits a response.
Sometimes, in history, doors open and close. And sometimes the doors are only open for a brief moment.
Streit argues that the definition of “European state” could be interpreted flexibly, pointing to Cyprus, an EU member geographically located in Western Asia. He also notes the presence of French and Dutch territories in the Caribbean, Spanish and Portuguese islands in the Atlantic, and Greenland, an autonomous region of Denmark, all within the European Union.
Canada and Greenland even share a land border during winter when frozen sea ice forms a terrestrial bridge.There have been reports of the Canadian army encountering Inuit crossing from Canada into Greenland via the frozen nares Strait.
Streit views Canada and the EU as existing neighbors and partners, believing there is significant potential for closer collaboration. He reiterated his point during a european Parliament hearing in early April, stating, “Sometimes, in history, doors open and close. And sometimes the doors are only open for a brief moment.”
Proposed “Erasmus Politics” initiative
In a letter to European Commissioners Roxana Minzatu and Ekaterina Zaharieva, responsible for social rights and research respectively, Streit proposed establishing a framework for university and professional exchanges between Canada and the EU.
Streit wrote that this initiative, dubbed “Erasmus Politics,” would allow EU officials to familiarize themselves with Canada’s unique characteristics and enable Canadian officials to learn about developing European policies within EU institutions.
Streit hopes such an initiative could pave the way for Canada’s EU membership or, at the very least, a close relationship similar to that of Switzerland or Norway.
“After all, we are people of the same ilk, with the same values. Where could we find this elsewhere?” Streit stated.
Canada and the EU: Could Canada Join the European Union?
Is Canada part of the European Union?
No, Canada is not currently a member of the European Union. Though, a German member of the european Parliament, Joachim Streit, envisions a closer relationship between Canada and the EU, even suggesting Canada could join the Union.
Why is there a discussion about Canada possibly joining the EU?
The discussion surrounding Canada and the EU, while previously a political jest, has evolved into a more nuanced one. It began with discussions, with a member of European Parliament pushing for closer ties. A poll indicating that 46% of canadians woudl support joining the EU has fueled the debate.
What does a European Parliamentarian think about Canada and the EU?
Joachim Streit,a German MEP,believes in a closer relationship between Canada and the EU. He views Canada as a “dream of freedom and better America,” echoing the sentiments of many immigrants. He believes Canada and the EU could be existing neighbors and partners with significant potential for collaboration.
What have Canadian leaders said about Europe?
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, during his first international trip, visited europe before Washington. In Paris, he remarked that Canada was “the most European of non-European countries,” referencing the nation’s French and British heritage.
What’s the main obstacle to Canada joining the EU?
The main obstacle is Article 49 of the european Union Treaty, which states that only ”European states” can apply for membership.
What does Joachim Streit propose to address this obstacle?
Streit has formally inquired whether the European Commission would consider a legal revision of Article 49 to accommodate Canada’s membership.