German politician Joachim Streit has launched a campaign advocating for Canada to join the European Union. While recognising legal and geographic barriers, Streit argues that Canada\u2019s economic power, values and existing cooperation with the EU make it a natural partner. The proposal highlights evolving global alliances amid rising geopolitical tensions.<\/p>\n
Joachim Streit, a German member of the European Parliament, has embarked on a personal campaign to see Canada join the European Union\u2014a notion many would consider far-fetched given the continent-based nature of the EU, according to a report published by The Guardian on Sunday.<\/p>\n
For Canada, a Surprising Proposal from Europe<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to strengthen the European Union,\u201d Streit said, describing Canada, in the words of its prime minister, as \u201cthe most European country outside of Europe.\u201d<\/p>\n
His interest deepened following US political shifts under President Donald Trump, which unsettled traditional alliances. \u201cCanadians have seen their trust in the US undermined, just as we have in Europe,\u201d Streit reportedly said.<\/p>\n
Economic and Strategic Arguments for Canada\u2019s Potential EU Membership<\/p>\n
Streit, who believes that stronger Canada-EU ties could be mutually beneficial in an uncertain global landscape, pointed out Canada\u2019s strengths as a potential EU member. \u201cCanada would be a strong member\u2026 It would rank 4th in terms of GDP. It\u2019s part of NATO. And 58% of (working-age) Canadians have college degrees,\u201d The Guardian quoted Streit as saying.<\/p>\n
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He also highlighted Canada\u2019s vast energy reserves, valuable to the EU as it seeks alternatives to Russian gas.<\/p>\n
Support for this idea has surfaced elsewhere, too. Sigmar Gabriel, a former German foreign minister, recently suggested that Canada is \u201cmore European than some European member states anyway,\u201d and a Canadian poll cited by the publication found 44% of respondents open to exploring EU membership.<\/p>\n
Canada\u2019s Potential EU Membership: Legal and Geographic Barriers<\/p>\n
In a major roadblock to Canada\u2019s potential membership of the European bloc, the EU treaty specifies that only European states can join. Streit countered this by citing exceptions such as France\u2019s overseas territories and Cyprus, which is geographically in Asia but politically in the EU.<\/p>\n
He also pointed out a tiny geographic link: Greenland, a Danish territory, which shares a border with Canada.<\/p>\n
To challenge the treaty\u2019s language, Streit has formally asked the European Parliament whether the rule could be interpreted or revised to allow Canadian membership, as reported by The Guardian.<\/p>\n
Steps Toward Closer Canada-EU Ties<\/p>\n
Beyond membership, Streit has proposed a political Erasmus exchange program between Canada and the EU to foster deeper understanding.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt would serve as both a symbolic and practical step toward deeper integration,\u201d he reportedly said, noting existing connections like the EU-Canada trade deal and cooperation in science research programs.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes in history, the windows of opportunity open and close again,\u201d he said, per\u00a0The Guardian. \u201cAnd sometimes, the windows of opportunity are open only for a brief moment.\u201d<\/p>\n
His campaign has sparked dialogue with Canadian officials and EU trade advocates, with some supporters offering creative arguments, including Canada\u2019s constitutional ties to King Charles and the UK.<\/p>\n