Canada on the way to the EU? Survey shows 44% approval!

Canada on the way to the EU? Survey shows 44% approval!

Kanada, Land - The discussion about a possible EU accession of Canada is becoming increasingly important. A survey by the Canadian Institute Abacus Data, which was carried out in February 2025, shows that 44 % of the Canadians agree to membership. This interest is primarily initiated by the political turbulence under US President Donald Trump, who recently declared "51st US state" after his re-election in 2025 and imposed punitive tariffs on Canadian goods. In this context, the idea that Canada could join the EU is challenged by parts of the population on social media.

The European Commission is reacting diplomatically to the survey and refers to Article 49 of the EU Treaty, which limits membership to European countries. However, experts agree that Canada does not meet geographical and cultural criteria. An example of such challenges is Morocco's failed application for accession in 1987, which was rejected because the country was not considered a European state. Canada is also not a member of the European Council, which is also seen as an obstacle to an EU accession.

political and economic framework conditions

The current political tensions between the USA and Canada play a central role in the considerations for an EU accession. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasizes the common values ​​of Canada and the EU. At an EU summit, he emphasized the economic synergies between the two regions, especially in the area of ​​energy. The trade conflict with the United States could also illustrate potential advantages of closer cooperation between Canada and the EU.

Trump's threat of imposing higher tariffs against Canada if the EU and Canada act together against the USA. In this case, an EU accession could endanger Canada's trade relationships with the United States. The EU Commission also expresses concern about possible negative effects of tariffs on consumers and companies.

public opinions and cultural connections

In social media, not only Canadians, but also Europeans, demand that Canada join the EU. Arguments for this include the public health system, the common English and French-speaking culture as well as NATO membership. It is particularly noteworthy that a considerable part of the population in Canada supports EU membership. According to the ABACUS survey, 46 % are for accession, while 34 % are against it.

A hypothetical application of Canada would require a legal revision of the EU contracts, since the term is not officially defined. However, it includes geographical, historical and cultural elements. Peter van Elsuwege, professor of EU law, indicates that membership in the Council of Europe serves as an indicator of European identity. The example of Cyprus, which joined the EU in 2004, although it is geographically in West Asia, shows that the criteria for membership can also be interpreted.

Although Canada's formal EU accession currently seems unrealistic, a strategic partnership could remain in the economic and political field. Future cooperation could be further deepened by ratification of the CETA free trade agreement and joint energy projects.