As Carney seeks strengthened global alliances, is it time Canada join the EU?
Prime Minister Mark Carney has pushed to reduce Canada’s economic reliance on the United States by strengthening ties with the European Union, signing new defence agreements and expanding trade cooperation. The growing partnership has sparked debate over whether Canada could eventually join the EU, with some experts saying it would boost Canada’s global influence while others warn it could reduce national sovereignty and complicate relations with the U.S. Although nearly half of Canadians support the idea, Carney has said Canada is seeking closer partnership with Europe rather than full EU membership. Fen Osler Hampson, co-chair of the Expert Group on Canada-U.S. Relations, said “EU membership for Canada is a non-starter.” He added: “It's an uncertain political project and it is not a quick shield against tariffs. … Accession is a lengthy process and Canada would be starting from zero as a non-European country.”
