President Donald Trump’s promise to delay imposing tariffs on Canadian goods caused many Canadians to breathe a sigh of relief. With Canada seemingly uniting around the threat that the U.S. poses to our economic well-being, it seems like we are on course to diplomatically deal with this crisis and hopefully resume normal relations. Yet, with a truly definitive outcome still far away, Canada has to consider all its options in dealing with future U.S. threats.
One such option that has presented itself is the suggestion by some former pro-European Union politicians that Canada should join the European Union. With the current administration of the U.S. acting aggressively towards Canada, Canada joining the EU should not be ruled out. Many would decry that Canada residing on another continent would disqualify it from joining. Not only that, but some would argue that Canada no longer shares the universal European culture that binds the EU together. As such, it might seem incredibly unlikely for Canada to join the EU. Despite these obstacles, Canada would still greatly benefit from membership in the EU.
The EU is already Canada’s second largest trading partner, and a deepening of trade relations would help strengthen Canada’s economic security, by giving the nation a more stable partner. In addition, such a relationship would provide a market for Canada’s critical minerals, which the EU is keen on acquiring. This diversification of trade would make Canada a key global player in the global critical minerals market and allow Canada to become a viable alternative to China, something that the EU is beginning to realize. Therefore, Canada has the opportunity to turn the challenges being posed by the current U.S. administration into a distinct advantage.
Beyond trade, aligning Canada with the EU would help strengthen an alliance whose values align more with Canada than with the current U.S. administration.
One of those values that is foundational to Canada as a nation-state is its commitment to multiculturalism, which the U.S. has turned away from. The EU shares similar values, which are crucial to securing and maintaining a growing economy. The ability to embrace other cultures into the mosaic of society not only means that we are getting some bright minds who might otherwise be discriminated against in their home country, but also valuable expertise that can be used to rapidly grow the economy. Not only that, but from a moral standpoint, both Canada and the EU profess tolerance and acceptance of different cultures. As the very values of nations shift in the new multipolar world, it is crucial that both Canada and the EU find partners that share similar values so they can form a long-lasting relationship. Canada and the EU share numerous values, and it therefore stands to reason that any deepening of relations would only be improved by having shared values.
In addition to economic concerns, many of the members of the EU are members of NATO. If Canada were to join the EU, it would provide a unique opportunity to enhance Canadian participation in NATO outside of the 2% spending commitment. Such a commitment might not be much further from what Canada is already contributing within NATO. Operation REASSURANCE is one such example where Canada is providing soldiers to Central and Eastern Europe as a means of deterrence to support NATO.
By joining the EU, Canada could further enhance interoperability within NATO by immersing itself with the EU. While the EU does not have a united army, as it leaves defence matters to individual states, that does not mean that it ignores increasing capabilities between members in the event of an attack. Canada could further assist in European defence if it joins the EU. As Europe is increasingly taking centre-stage in global affairs, especially regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Canada has the opportunity not only to help a trusted ally but also to expand its sphere of influence in an important part of the world.
In an era of geopolitical uncertainty, Canada must seek reliable allies who share its values and economic interests. EU membership would provide Canada with a more stable trade partnership, strengthen its role in global security, and reinforce its commitment to multiculturalism and democracy. While challenges remain, deeper integration with the EU presents a strategic opportunity for Canada to secure its future in an increasingly multipolar world
Photo: “Canadian and European Union Relations Concept – Merged Flags of Canada and the EU 3D Illustration” (2024) Released via Shuttershock
Disclaimer: Any views or opinions expressed in articles are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the NATO Association of Canada
