With growing tensions with the United States and recent political overtures toward Europe, speculation is now swirling about whether Canada could someday join the European Union.
On social media, many have floated the idea of Ottawa trading Washington for Brussels, especially as U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and tariff threats push Canada closer to European allies.
But while Reddit threads and viral posts make for entertaining hypotheticals, legal experts and EU institutions are clear: Canada cannot apply to join the EU — at least not under the current rules.
This was reported by Euronews.
A Newfound Popularity
The idea has gained traction following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s first official trip to Europe, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss transatlantic relations and economic cooperation.
Carney described Canada as “the most European of non-European countries,” drawing praise — and fantasy proposals — from many across the continent.
Backing up the public sentiment, a recent Abacus Data survey found that 44% of Canadians believe their country should join the EU, with 46% saying they would support such a move.
Yet despite cultural similarities — Canada’s bilingualism, universal healthcare, and NATO membership — there’s a major hurdle: Canada isn’t in Europe.
What EU Law Says
According to Article 49 of the Treaty on the European Union, only “European states” that respect EU values and commit to promoting them are eligible to apply.
That’s a significant sticking point, says Paula Pinho, spokesperson for European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. While she welcomed the positive sentiment, she emphasized that geography matters.
EU law doesn't strictly define what “European” means, but historical documents and expert interpretations offer a more nuanced view.
A 1992 European Commission paper explained that “European” is understood as a combination of geographical, historical, and cultural elements — not just policy alignment or shared values.
Unlike Cyprus and Turkey — both of which are either geographically or culturally intertwined with Europe — Canada lacks the proximity and deep-rooted historical integration that the EU requires.
Peter Van Elsuwege, professor of EU law at Ghent University, puts it bluntly:
“Canada — just as Morocco in the past — does not satisfy the criterion of a ‘European state’,” he told EuroVerify. “It is not located in Europe, is not a Council of Europe member, and does not have ancient connections to European cultural development.”
In contrast, Cyprus joined the EU in 2004 despite being in West Asia because of its deep cultural and political links to Europe. Turkey has long been considered a “European state” under EU agreements dating back to the 1960s, even though its accession talks have stalled.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s 1987 application was flatly rejected — precisely because it wasn’t geographically or culturally European.
Canada, experts agree, would face the same legal obstacle.
Could the Law Change?
Theoretically, yes.
But it would require a fundamental overhaul of EU treaties, which currently enshrine the Europe-only rule. That kind of change would need unanimous support from all EU member states and would likely spark intense political and legal debate.
So while Canadians may feel ideologically closer to Brussels than to Washington at the moment, EU membership remains a legal impossibility — unless “Europe” itself is redefined.
The European Commission has diplomatically praised Canadian-European ties, and leaders on both sides have signaled a desire to strengthen economic and political cooperation. But for now, Canada’s future with Europe looks more like a strategic partnership than a constitutional union.
Unless the EU reconsiders what it means to be “European,” Canada will remain a valued ally — just not a member state.
