Opinion survey in Canada: Almost every second Canadian prefers 28th EU member than 51st US state (10%)

The hypothetical EU membership of Canada: a comprehensive analysis

A survey recently carried out by ABACUS DATA has revealed a surprising result: a considerable part of the Canadian population is positive about the idea of ​​membership in their country in the European Union. Almost half of the respondents supported this proposal, while a quarter of the respondents were still undecided. Only a smaller part of the respondents spoke out against such membership. This result is noteworthy in that the approval values ​​for the accession of Canada even exceed the approval values ​​for the re-entry into the EU. This unexpected preference raises significant questions about the future strategic direction of Canada and the potential expansion of the European Union.

A spokeswoman for the EU Commission, Paula Pinho, commented on the results of this survey and described them as honorable and a sign of the attractiveness of the European Union. At the same time, however, she pointed out that Canada's possible membership must take into account the criteria specified in the EU contracts. In particular, the requirement to be a "European state" is a central question in this debate.

This report is therefore devoted to a detailed examination of the various dimensions of a potential EU membership of Canada. Both the legal foundations and historical precedents are illuminated and the possible economic and political effects are analyzed. In addition, public opinion in Canada and the geopolitical consequences of such a decision are discussed.

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The criteria for EU membership: the concept of the "European state" in focus

The legal basis for membership in the European Union is Article 49 of the Treaty on the European Union (EUV). This article stipulates that every European state that pays attention to the values ​​mentioned in Article 2 and confesses to their promotion can submit an application for admission to the Union. Article 2 itself defines the fundamental values ​​of the EU, which include respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and the preservation of human rights. These values ​​form the foundation of the European Union and are indispensable prerequisites for every membership.

In addition to the condition of a "European state" mentioned in the EUV, there are more detailed criteria for EU membership, the so-called Copenhagen criteria. These were agreed at the summit in Copenhagen in June 1993 and can be divided into three main areas: political, economic and administrative criteria.

The political criterion requires stable institutions to ensure stable institutions, democracy, the rule of law, human rights as well as respect and protection of minorities. Among other things, this includes free and fair elections, an independent judiciary, respect for freedom of expression and the protection of the rights of minorities. A functioning democratic system and compliance with fundamental human rights are essential for EU membership.

The economic criterion requires a functioning market economy and the ability to withstand competitive pressure and market forces within the Union. This means that the economy country's economy must be able to integrate into the EU internal market and to compete economically with the other Member States. These include a stable macroeconomic location, a functioning competition and a sufficiently developed private sector.

Finally, the administrative criterion includes effectively implementing and applying the ability to adopt the obligations of EU membership and to effectively implement the entire EU law, the so-called Acquis Communautaire. The Acquis Communautaire includes the entire EU rules, consisting of contracts, regulations, guidelines, decisions and the case law of the European Court of Justice. A candidate for accession must be able to integrate this extensive set of rules into its national legislation and to use it effectively. This requires powerful public administration and judiciary.

While the Copenhagen criteria formulate detailed requirements for potential member states, the condition mentioned in the EUV is deliberately vaguely vaguely vaguely vaguks. The EU contracts do not explicitly define what constitutes a European state. The European Commission and the current Member States provide this ambiguity in the assessment of this requirement. The question of what "European" means in the context of EU membership is therefore not purely geographically or technically, but also politically and culturally shaped.

The European Commission plays a central role in the expansion process. It evaluates the ability of an applicant to meet the criteria and submits a recommendation to the Council of the European Union. The council then unanimously decides whether a country is awarded the candidate status and formal accession negotiations are admitted. The unanimous approval in the council underlines the political nature of the expansion process and the need that all Member States agree to an expansion.

The interpretation of "European state" and historical precedents

In the past, the European Union has tasted a long interpretation of the term “European country” with regard to membership practice. This flexible interpretation is evident in various historical cases, which illustrate the complexity and the political character of the question of "European identity".

A remarkable example of this is the accession of Cyprus in 2004. Geographically in West Asia, Cyprus was considered accessible to Europe due to its cultural and political connections to Europe. This decision clarifies that geographical situation is not the sole criterion for the assessment of the "European" identity of a state. The historical and cultural relationships of Cyprus to Europe, especially Greece and European culture in general, played a crucial role in the positive assessment of his application. Interestingly, the entire island area of ​​Cyprus is considered an EU territory, also the northern part in which EU law is currently exposed to the political situation. This underlines the political dimension of the EU expansion and the willingness of the EU to find pragmatic solutions even in complex territorial questions.

Another example is Turkey, whose territory is largely in Asia, but which has long been an official EU candidate, although the negotiations are currently frozen. The historical and political connections of Türkiye to Europe, in particular their role in the Ottoman Empire and their long history of relationships with European countries, were considered sufficient to grant candidate status. Turkey is a member of NATO and traditionally maintained close relationships with western countries. Nevertheless, the accession negotiations due to concerns regarding the rule of law, human rights and democracy in Turkey have stalled. The case of Türkiye shows that historical connections alone are not sufficient, but also compliance with the fundamental values ​​and criteria of the EU.

In contrast, Morocco's application for access to the European Communities in 1987 was rejected on the grounds that Morocco could not be regarded as a "European country". Morocco is geographically located in North Africa and has historical and cultural relationships with Europe, especially Spain and France. However, the rejection of Morocco illustrates that not all countries with certain historical or cultural connections to Europe are automatically considered accessible. The geographical distance and the different cultural and political development of Morocco played a role here.

The EU also includes so-called “outermost regions” that are geographically outside of Europe, such as French Guayana in South America and various islands in the Caribbean and in the Indian Ocean. These areas are integral components of EU member states such as France, Spain and Portugal and are subject to EU law. Their existence within the EU underpins the flexible geographical interpretation of European space within the EU. These regions benefit from the EU membership of their mother countries and are integrated into the EU internal market.

Greenland, on the other hand,, although part of the Kingdom of Denmark, is an overseas area associated with the EU, but not a Member State. Greenland joined the European Economic Community (EEC) together with Denmark in 1973, but decided in 1982 in a referendum. In 1985 Greenland left the EEC and received the status of an associated overseas area. This case shows that there can also be different attitudes towards EU membership within European countries and that the EU offers flexible association models.

In addition, the EU has concluded different association agreements with non-European countries that provide for different degrees of integration and cooperation. These agreements offer framework for cooperation in areas such as trade, political dialogue and research, but do not provide membership. Examples of this include agreements with countries in the western Balkans, North Africa and the Middle East. These agreements serve to strengthen relationships with neighboring regions and the promotion of stability and prosperity.

The EU's previous decisions about memberships and association agreements indicate a pragmatic approach in which cultural, historical and political connections to Europe can predominate purely geographical considerations. The Cyprus case is particularly relevant for the discussion about Canada and suggests that common values ​​and historical connections could be used to argue the "European" status. However, the rejection of Morocco shows that a valid justification is required for this and that geographical distance and cultural differences can also play a role. The EU expansion policy is therefore a dynamic process that takes into account both legal and political and cultural aspects.

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Potential economic effects of an EU involvement of Canada

Canada's accession to the EU would bring profound economic changes for both Canada and the European Union. For Canada, full membership would mean unreserved access to the huge internal market of the EU, which has enormous economic potential. The EU internal market is one of the largest economic areas in the world and offers Canadian companies access to over 450 million consumers. This access could significantly boost trade and investments between Canada and the EU.

The EU's nominal gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated at over 20 trillion US dollars for 2025. This immense economic power underlines the attractiveness of the EU internal market for Canada. The already existing comprehensive economic and trade agreement (CETA) between Canada and the EU has already led to a significant increase in bilateral trade. Ceta has dismantled tariffs and other trade barriers between Canada and the EU and facilitates trading in many sectors. Full membership could further intensify these positive effects by reducing remaining obstacles and the tightening of regulations. Removal of non-tariffs and the harmonization of standards could make trade and investments easier.

In addition, the EU membership of Canada could reduce economic dependence on the United States, its largest trading partner. Canada is strongly integrated into the North American economy and strongly depends on the trade in the USA. A diversification of trading partners through EU membership could increase Canada's economic resilience and make the country less susceptible to economic fluctuations in the USA. EU membership could offer Canada a strategic alternative to the North American economic area.

Although Canada, as a relatively wealthy country, would probably be a net payer in the EU budget, it could also benefit from certain EU funding programs. The EU budget finances a variety of programs in areas such as research and development, regional development, infrastructure and education. Canadian companies and institutions could potentially participate in these programs and benefit from EU funding. However, Canada's net payer position in the EU budget would be an important political factor in public debate.

However, Canada also faces significant economic challenges. It would have to take over and implement the extensive Acquis Communautaire, which would require considerable adjustments to its legal and regulatory framework. This affects areas such as social rights, environmental regulations (e.g. REACH) and economic rules. Adaptation to EU standards in these areas could be expensive and complex for some Canadian industries. For example, Reach, the EU Chemical Ordinance, is a complex set of rules that could require considerable adjustments for chemical companies.

Canada may have to replace its system of offer management in agriculture with the joint agricultural policy (GAP) of the EU, which could have significant effects on the agricultural sector. The GAP is a central part of EU policy and subsidizes agriculture in the EU member states. The changeover from Canadian offer management to the GAP could bring profound changes for Canadian farmers and the agricultural industry. Some sectors could benefit from the EU subsidies, while others would be faced with new competitive conditions.

Participation in the EU emission trade system would probably also be necessary. The EU emission trade system is a cornerstone of EU climate policy and obliges companies to pay for their CO2 emissions. Participation in the EU emission trade system could cause additional costs for some Canadian branches of the Canada and require efforts to reduce emissions.

In addition, Canada would have to apply the EU trading tariffs to third countries, including the United States, which could disturb existing trade relationships. The EU has a common trade policy and raises tariffs on imports from non-EU countries. The takeover of the EU trade tariffs could change the trade relationships of Canada to the USA and other important trading partners and possibly lead to trade conflicts. The renegotiation of trade agreements would probably be necessary.

EU membership also includes the free movement of people, which could lead to increased immigration from the EU to Canada and vice versa. The free movement of employees and citizens is a basic principle of the EU. Canada's EU membership would enable EU citizens to live and work in Canada without a visa, and vice versa. This could lead to an increase in migration between Canada and the EU, which could bring about both economic opportunities and social challenges.

In the long term, Canada could be expected to introduce the euro as a currency. The euro zone is the monetary union of the EU and currently comprises 20 Member States. The introduction of the euro would be a significant step for Canada and would change the monetary policy and financial markets of the country. However, the introduction of the euro is a long-term process and requires the fulfillment of certain economic convergence criteria.

The likely net payment of Canada in the EU budget could lead to displeasure in Germany. As a wealthy country, Canada would likely pay more into the EU budget than retains them. This net payer position could lead to criticism and resistance in the Canadian public and politics, especially in regions that could feel disadvantaged.

For the EU, Canada's accession would significantly increase its economic strength globally because Canada has a large and developed economy. The integration of the Canadian economy into the EU internal market would strengthen the economic growth and competitiveness of the EU. Canada is one of the largest economies in the world and has a highly developed industry and service sector.

Access to Canada's natural resources, including critical minerals and energy, would be an advantage for the EU. Canada has significant occurrence of raw materials such as oil, gas, minerals and wood. Access to these resources could strengthen the energy supply security and the raw material base of the EU, especially in times of geopolitical uncertainty. Critical minerals are of great importance for the green and digital transformation.

The expansion of the internal market by Canada would further expand the trade network and the potential of the EU. The integration of Canada into the EU internal market would continue to boost trade within the EU and between the EU and Canada. The EU would become an even more attractive trading partner for third countries.

However, the integration of a far away economy could bring logistical and regulatory challenges. The geographical distance between Canada and Europe could make trade and logistics more expensive and make coordination difficult. The different regulatory frames and legal systems could also represent integration challenges.

In addition, joining a large, non-European economy could lead to new internal dynamics and potential disagreements between the Member States. As a large and influential Member State, Canada would change the balance of power within the EU and possibly lead to new alliances and lines of conflict between the Member States. The different interests and priorities of Canada could lead to new tensions within the EU.

Comparison of important economic indicators (estimates for 2025)

In 2025, a comparison of important economic indicators shows significant differences between the European Union (EU27) and Canada. With regard to the nominal gross domestic product (GDP), the EU is well above Canada with around $ 20.29 trillion, the GDP of which is around $ 2.33 trillion. Even in terms of buying power, the EU has a significantly higher economic output than Canada with around $ 2.69 trillion with around $ 29.01 trillion. The GDP per capita presents a differentiated picture: Here Canada with a nominal value of around $ 55,890 above the EU, which comes to around $ 43,194. In the case of GDP per capita -adjusted, the values ​​are almost identical, with around $ 64,680 in the EU and around $ 64,570 in Canada.

The unemployment rate is at a comparable level in both economic areas. In January 2025, the EU has a quota of around 5.8 %, while in Canada it was around 6.5 % in September 2024. Both regions have similar economic structures that are strongly shaped by services and industry. In Canada, resources area also plays an important role.

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Comparison of political and social systems

Canada is a parliamentary democracy and a federal state with a constitutional monarchy. The Canadian political system is characterized by a separation of powers between executive, legislative and judiciary. Power is divided between the federal government and ten provinces as well as three territories. This federalism shapes Canadian politics and society and leads to a complex distribution of power between the different levels of government. Canada follows the Westminster Parliament model, which is characterized by a two-chamber parliament and a strong executive under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

The European Union, on the other hand, is a supranational political and economic union of 27 Member States. It represents a unique form of cooperation between nation states that united the elements of a state and a federal state. The EU has an multi-level government system in which the power between the Member States and the EU institutions is shared. This complex system of power division is an essential feature of the EU and distinguishes it from classic nation states.

The most important institutions of the EU include the European Commission (Executive), the Council of the European Union (which represented the governments of the Member States) and the European Parliament (directly elected). The European Commission is the EU's executive body and is responsible for the implementation of EU policy and monitoring compliance with EU law. The Council of the European Union is the most important decision -making body in the EU and consists of the Member States ministers. The European Parliament is the directly elected organ of the EU and represents the EU citizens. These institutions together form the institutional structure of the EU and shape EU policy.

Both Canada and the EU are characterized by diversity and internal clashes. Both are multi-level systems that have undergone constitutional or contract reforms. In its history, Canada has experienced several constitutional reforms that have strengthened federalism and the rights of provinces. In the course of its history, the EU has also experienced several contract reforms that have changed the skills of the EU and how the institutions work. Both strive to take differences and diversity into account. Canada is a multicultural country with a diverse population that is made up of different ethnic and cultural groups. The EU is also characterized by a wide variety of cultures, languages ​​and traditions.

Canada has long been considered like -minded in many political and diplomatic questions and is considered an honorary member of the European Nations. Canada shares many values ​​and interests with the EU member states and works closely with the EU in many international organizations. This close relationship between Canada and the EU is based on common values ​​and a long history of cooperation.

One difference is that the EU is more centralized in certain political areas than Canada's increasingly decentralized federalism. The EU has extensive competencies in areas such as trade, competition and environmental policy and can issue binding legal files that apply directly in the Member States. Canada, on the other hand, is a federal state in which provinces have considerable autonomy in many policy areas. This difference in centralization could require adaptations for Canada to EU membership.

The Canadian legal system is mainly based on the Common Law (with the exception of Quebec, which has a civil law system), while in most EU countries the tradition of civil law prevails. The Common Law is a legal system based on judicial law and precedent, while civil law is based on codified laws and laws. This difference in the legal system could require adjustments for Canada to integrate into the EU legal framework. However, federal law in Canada is viewed as a mixed right, the elements of the common law and civil law are united.

There are potential adjustments for Canada. It would have to be accepted that in certain areas of decisions by the European Court of Justice, priority to those of the Supreme Court of Canada. The priority of EU law before national law is a basic principle of the EU. A EU membership of Canada would mean that the European Court of Justice in certain areas would be the highest legal authority and that its decisions would have priority to the decisions of the Supreme Court of Canada. This would be an essential loss of sovereignty for Canada.

Canada would have to adapt his social policy to the EU standards, which would possibly include regulations during working hours, environmental protection and consumer standards. The EU has set high standard in many areas of social policy, environmental protection and consumer protection. Canada would have to adapt its national standards to these EU standards, which could lead to adaptation costs in some areas.

In addition, Canada would have to integrate into the institutional framework of the EU, send commissioners to the European Commission and choose members to the European Parliament. Canada would have to actively participate in the work of the EU institutions and represent his interests in Brussels. The posting of commissioners to the European Commission and the election of members to the European Parliament would be essential steps for integration into the EU framework.

Although Canada and the EU share the core values ​​of democracy and multilateralism, their governance structures and legal systems have significant differences. Canada would have to make considerable political and legal adjustments in order to fully integrate into the framework of the EU, in particular with regard to the priority of EU law and participation in EU institutions. These adjustments would require considerable political will and social consensus in Canada.

Canadian perspectives: public and political opinion

Public opinion in Canada shows a considerable level of support for the idea of ​​examining EU membership. The ABACUS Data survey already mentioned from March 2025 showed that 46 % of Canadians advocate access to the EU, while 29 % are against it and 25 % are undecided. These figures indicate a significant interest in EU membership in the Canadian population.

Younger Canadians (18-29 years) show the strongest support for EU membership. This could indicate that younger generations are more open to international cooperation and new political options. The support for EU membership seems to be more pronounced among younger Canadians than in older generations.

Voters of the liberal party tend to be supporting, while voters of the conservative party are more often hired. Political party affiliation plays a role in attitude towards EU membership. Liberal voters who are traditionally internationalistically oriented show more support, while conservative voters are rather skeptical of supranational organizations.

The Canadians generally have a positive view of the EU (68 %). The positive image of the EU in Canada could be a factor for supporting EU membership. In Canada, the EU is often perceived as a space of democracy, human rights and economic prosperity.

Many believe that joining the EU would improve trade and the economic situation in Canada. Economic motives play an important role in supporting EU membership. Many Canadians see an opportunity in EU membership to diversify trade and to reduce the economic dependence on the United States.

The idea of ​​EU membership has gained importance due to concerns regarding the reliability of the USA as a trading partner under President Trump. The protectionist trade policy of the Trump administration and the uncertainty in American-Canadian relationships may have increased the attractiveness of the EU as an alternative trading partner for Canada. The EU is perceived as a stable and reliable partner.

The attitudes of the political parties in Canada are different. Voters of the liberal party show higher support for EU membership. In the past, the liberal party under the new Prime Minister Carney has given itself a positive statement about the EU and emphasized the importance of closer relationships with Europe. Liberals could see a way in EU membership to strengthen Canada's international role and diversify economic relations.

Voters of the conservative party tend to be rejected. Historically, their focus was on trade agreements, but they could be skeptical about more comprehensive political integration. The conservatives could have concerns about the loss of sovereignty and the costs of EU membership. You could also prioritize the traditionally close relationships with the United States.

In the past, the NDP was reluctant to protect EU trade agreements such as CETA, in particular with regard to the provisions on investor protection. Your attitude towards full membership is less clear, but probably careful. The NDP could have concerns about the social and ecological effects of EU membership and focus on the interests of employees and environmental protection.

The Bloc Québécois primarily focuses on the interests and sovereignty of Quebec. EU membership could either be seen as a strengthening of the francophone identity of Quebec within a larger block or as another level of federalism with which one has to deal with. The attitude of the Bloc Québécois on EU membership could depend on the question of how this would affect the specific interests of Quebecs, in particular on the promotion of the French language and culture.

The European Movement International is examining the establishment of a Canadian branch to promote closer relationships and supports the goal of EU membership if the Canadian population and government wish. The European Movement International is an organization that is committed to European integration. Their support for a Canadian branch and the idea of ​​EU membership shows that there is an interest in a closer relationship with Canada in Europe.

Public opinion in Canada shows a considerable interest in the examination of EU membership, possibly driven by concerns about relationships with the United States. However, this support is not the same in all age groups or political affiliations. The attitudes of the Canadian political parties are different, which indicates that EU membership could become a controversial political issue. A comprehensive public debate and a clear political leadership would be necessary to continue to pursue the question of EU membership in Canada.

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Geopolitical consequences of an accession of Canada to the EU

Canada's joining the EU would probably have a significant impact on the geopolitical landscape, especially on relationships between Canada and the United States, the closest ally and largest trading partner of Canada. The USA and Canada have a long history of close political, economic and military cooperation. An EU membership of Canada could fundamentally change these traditionally close relationships.

In the area of ​​trade, Canada would have to take over the EU's trade policy, which could possibly lead to higher trade barriers with the United States and make it necessary to negotiate agreements such as USMCA. The EU has a common trade policy and raises tariffs on imports from non-EU countries. The takeover of EU trade policy by Canada could lead to trade conflicts with the United States and the North American free trade zone weaken. The renegotiation of USMCA, the successor agreement of NAFTA, would probably be necessary.

In defense, Canada's priorities could be more aligned with the European defense strategies, which could affect coordination with the United States on questions of North American security. The EU has strengthened its defense policy in recent years and is aiming for greater autonomy in security issues. Canada's EU membership could lead to Canada more oriented towards the European defense agenda and less on the North American defense cooperation with the United States. This could affect military cooperation between Canada and the USA.

In diplomacy, too, Canada's foreign policy positions in global questions could be more likely to be based on the EU, which could lead to differences with the United States. The EU has a common foreign and security policy (GASP) and represents a common position in many international questions. A EU membership of Canada could lead to Canada more EU positions in international politics and less the US positions. This could lead to differences with the USA in important foreign policy issues.

The alignment with EU immigration policy could complicate the agreement on border security between the USA and Canada. The EU has a common immigration policy and aims to harmonize asylum procedures and border controls. Canada's EU membership could lead to Canada adapting its immigration policy to EU standards, which could influence border security and cooperation with the United States on immigration issues.

Canada is a founding member of NATO. Many EU member states are also part of NATO. An EU membership of Canada would mean that it would be a member of both organizations, which could potentially improve interoperability, but could also bring possible tensions in the event of a continuing US skepticism towards NATO. NATO is the most important defense alliance of the West and plays a central role in European security. An EU membership of Canada within NATO could strengthen transatlantic relationships, but also lead to tensions if the United States is critical of EU defense efforts.

Relationships with other global actors could also change. Canada's relationship with China could be influenced by the EU approach to China, which is more careful in some areas than the current attitude of Canada. The EU has a differentiated China strategy that relies on cooperation as well as on competition and system rivalry. Canada's EU membership could lead to Canada a more cautious approach to China, which is more oriented towards the EU China strategy.

The close relationships of Canada to the United Kingdom could have to be reconciled with its new obligations as an EU member. The United Kingdom is no longer a EU member after Brexit, but Canada and the United Kingdom continue to have close historical and cultural relationships. A EU membership of Canada could lead to Canada reorganizing his relationships with the United Kingdom as part of its EU obligations.

Canada has an important arctic territory and a pronounced arctic policy. The EU also shows an increasing interest in the Arctic. Canada's EU membership could lead to closer cooperation in Arctic questions, but may also require an alignment with the EU environmental and resource management policy in this region. Arctic is a region of strategic importance and increasing geopolitical interest. A EU membership of Canada could strengthen the collaboration in the Arctic between Canada and the EU and influence EU markets.

Canada's joining the EU would be an important geopolitical event that would fundamentally change its relationships with the United States and possibly postpone the balance of power in North America. While it could strengthen Canada's relationships with Europe and form a counterweight to the US influence, it would also require careful navigation of existing alliances and relationships with other global actors. The geopolitical effects of Canada's EU membership would be far-reaching and would affect international order.

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Keeping of EU institutions and Member States

Although the spokeswoman for the European Commission, Paula Pinho, who described the survey results as "honorable", she emphasized that, in accordance with Article 49 of the EUV, only European countries can apply for membership. This first reaction of the EU Commission was careful and emphasized the legal challenge of the geographical situation of Canada. The Commission pointed out that the EU contracts provide for a geographical restriction for membership.

However, the definition of the term “European state” is not explicitly defined in the contracts. This ambiguity in the definition opens up room for interpretation and leaves space for political discussions. The question of what makes a "European state" is not purely geographically, but also politically and culturally.

The European Parliament Secretariat indicates that each country can apply for cultural or political connections to Europe. This interpretation of the European Parliament is further caught and emphasizes the importance of cultural and political connections for the question of EU membership. The parliament could be more open to a creative interpretation of the term "European state".

Some prominent European personalities have expressed support. Former German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel suggested that Canada be included in the EU and emphasized the need for new allies in the face of possible US isolationism. Gabriel argued that in view of the political uncertainties in the United States and the rise of China's new partners and allies, the EU was a natural candidate. His proposal indicates a strategic interest in expanding the EU beyond the traditional geographical borders.

Former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt also spoke out for Canada's membership. Verhofstadt is a well-known advocate of European integration and has spoken out in the past for ambitious EU expansion policy. His support for Canadian membership underlines the idea of ​​a global role of the EU and the willingness to go beyond traditional geographical borders.

The French President Macron emphasized the importance of fair trade and international rules at a meeting with the Canadian Prime Minister Carney, which indicates a possible openness to closer relationships. Macron's statements indicate that France is interested in strengthening relationships with Canada and a possible support for a closer connection to Canada to the EU. France is an influential Member State of the EU and its attitude plays an important role in EU expansion policy.

However, it should be noted that the unanimous approval of all 27 Member States is required for accession. The unanimity in the council means that each Member State can make a veto against an application for accession. This makes the expansion process politically complex and requires broad consensus among the Member States.

Some Member States could have concerns about agriculture, trade competition or geopolitical effects. Member States with strong agriculture could have concerns about the competition from Canadian agricultural products. Other Member States could have concerns about the economic and geopolitical effects of a distant membership. The different interests and priorities of the Member States could lead to resistance to Canadian membership.

Although some European personalities have signaled support, the official attitude of the EU institutions, in particular the Commission, indicates the significant legal challenge that Canada is not geographically in Europe. The Commission emphasizes the importance of EU contracts and the need to meet the legal criteria for membership. However, the lack of strict definition of the "European state" leaves space for political maneuvering and potential contract changes, although this would require the unanimous consent of all Member States, which could be difficult to achieve. A change in the contract would be a lengthy and politically demanding process.

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The accession process for Canada

Canada would have to submit a formal application for membership to the EU Council. The formal application is the first step in the accession process and signals the official request for accession in Canada. The application would have to be addressed to the EU Council, the most important decision -making body of the EU.

The Council would then ask the European Commission to evaluate Canada's ability to fulfill the accession criteria and to comment. The Commission plays a central role in the accession process and is responsible for evaluating the capacity of the candidate countries. The commission's statement is an important basis for the decision of the Council on the granting of the candidate status.

If the Commission's statement is positive and all EU member states agree, Canada from the European Council granted the candidate status. The European Council consists of the heads of state and government of the EU member states and is the highest political body of the EU. The granting of the candidate status is an important political step and signals the fundamental willingness of the EU to accept access negotiations with Canada.

Canada would have to develop a strategy for the step with the Commission that provides for reforms for alignment with EU law. The passing strategy is used to prepare the candidate country for EU membership and include reforms in various areas to facilitate alignment with the Acquis Communautaire. The Commission supports the candidate country in implementing these reforms.

Formal accession negotiations would then be included, which include various chapters of EU law (Acquis). The accession negotiations are a lengthy and complex process in which the candidate country and the EU negotiate the conditions of accession and check the equation of national law to the Acquis Communautaire. The negotiations are divided into different chapters that cover different EU policy areas.

This process includes a detailed examination of Canadian laws and administrative capacities and can take many years. The detailed examination of Canadian laws and administrative capacities is an essential part of the accession negotiations and serves to ensure that Canada is able to fulfill the obligations of EU membership. The accession process can take many years because it requires extensive reforms and negotiations.

The Commission and Canada would examine their respective laws to determine differences. The comparison of the right is a central part of the accession negotiations and serves to identify areas in which Canadian law must be adapted to EU law. The Commission and Canada work together to eliminate these differences.

The EU Council would set opening and final benchmarks for every negotiation chapter. Benchmarks are measurable criteria that the candidate country has to meet in order to make progress in the accession negotiations. The EU Council defines these benchmarks for every negotiation chapter and monitors the progress of the candidate country in fulfilling the benchmark.

After completing the negotiations and if all Member States are satisfied, an accession contract would be signed that defines the conditions of membership. The accession contract is the legal document that determines the conditions of the EU membership of the candidate country. The contract must be signed by all EU member states and the candidate country.

This contract would have to be ratified by all EU member states, the European Parliament and Canada in accordance with their respective constitutional provisions. The ratification of the accession contract is a necessary step to make the accession legally binding. Different ratification procedures are required in the EU member states and in Canada, which usually include the consent of the national parliaments and in some cases also referenders.

Canada would then officially become an EU member on the date specified in the contract. The official accession is the last step in the accession process and marks the beginning of Canada's EU membership. From this date, Canada is a full member of the EU and is subject to EU law.

The entire process usually lasts many years (on average about nine years for the current Member States). The accession process is a lengthy and demanding process that requires considerable political and administrative resources. The average duration of the accession process for the previous Member States is about nine years, but can vary depending on the complexity of the case.

The accession process for Canada would be complex and lengthy, even if the initial legal hurdle of the "European State" would be overcome. It would require considerable political will and sustainable efforts from both Canada and the EU, including extensive legal and regulatory reforms and the unanimous approval of all existing Member States in every phase. Overcoming the legal, political and technical challenges of the accession process would require an extraordinary political and administrative effort.

Feasibility and effects of Canadian EU membership

The analysis of the possibility of an EU membership of Canada draws a complex picture. Although growing support in the Canadian population exists for such an idea, the path to actual membership is associated with considerable legal, political and economic difficulties. The idea of ​​Canadian EU membership is present in public debate, but the implementation of this idea is associated with considerable challenges.

The fundamental question of Canada as a "European state" in accordance with Article 49 of the EUV is the first major hurdle. The geographical location of Canada outside of Europe is an essential argument against automatic classification as a "European state" within the meaning of EU contracts. While the EU has shown a flexible interpretation of this term, especially in the case of Cyprus, and cultural and political connections, the geographical distance of Canada is an important argument against its classification as a European state. The geographical distance of Canada to Europe is a major difference to previous expansion cases and is a special challenge.

A possible overcoming of this hurdle could require a political decision or even a change in the EU contracts, which would require the unanimous consent of all current Member States. The overcoming of the geographical hurdle would require a political consensus in the EU, which could possibly contain a creative interpretation of the term "European state" or even a formal change of contract. However, a contract change would be a lengthy and politically demanding process that requires the consent of all Member States.

Even if the legal question were answered positively, Canada would be faced with a lengthy and demanding accession process. The accession process would require extensive negotiations, reforms and adjustments in Canada and the EU. The takeover and implementation of the extensive Acquis Communautaire would require profound reforms in the Canadian legal and regulatory framework. Adaptation to EU standards in many areas would be a big challenge for Canada.

Economic adjustments, especially in agriculture and in trade with the USA, would also be significant. The conversion of Canadian agriculture to the GAP and the takeover of EU trade policy would bring significant economic changes for Canada. The effects on trade in the USA would also have to be carefully checked.

For the EU, Canada's accession would mean a significant economic and geopolitical strengthening, but the integration of a economy that is so far away and is economically strong with another actor also contains challenges. The EU would benefit from the economic strength and natural resources of Canada, but would also be confronted with the logistical and regulatory challenges of a distant membership. The integration of an economy that is strongly connected to the USA could also cause new internal dynamics in the EU.

Public opinion in Canada shows a surprising level of support, but this is not uniform. The support for EU membership is not homogeneous in the Canadian population and varies depending on the age group and political orientation. The attitudes of the political parties indicate that EU membership in Canada could be a polarizing topic. The political debate about EU membership could be controversial in Canada.

At the geopolitical level, Canada's joining the relationship with the USA, the most important partner of Canada, would fundamentally change and redefine the role of Canada in international allies. An EU membership of Canada would put a strain on the traditionally close relationships with the United States and postpone the geopolitical orientation of Canada towards Europe. Canada would have to redefine his role in NATO and in other international organizations.

Canada's EU membership cannot be completely excluded, but the way there would be with considerable legal, political and economic complexities. The implementation of Canadian EU membership would be an ambitious and challenging project that would require considerable efforts and political changes. The basic question of the "European" identity of Canada is the first major obstacle. The question of whether Canada can be considered a "European state" within the meaning of the EU contracts is the central sticking point of the discussion.

Even if this were overcome, the lengthy accession process, which requires extensive reforms in Canada and the unanimous consent of all EU member states, would indicate that full membership remains a distant and uncertain perspective. Even if the legal and political hurdles could be overcome, the accession process itself would take many years and require considerable resources. The unanimous consent of all EU member states in every phase of the process is another major challenge.

However, the fact that this discussion takes place at all signals a possible shift in Canada's strategic thinking about its role in the world. The debate about EU membership of Canada, even if it is hypothetically, shows that Canada is thinking about new strategic options and may redefine its international role. The question of EU membership could lead to a broader discussion about Canada's future orientation in a changing world order.

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