In light of deteriorating relations with the United States, Canada is increasingly looking to strengthen its ties with the European Union. Recent developments suggest a potential for deeper trade and security collaboration between Ottawa and Brussels, raising questions about the possibility of Canada someday joining the EU.
According to Česká Televize, some analysts argue that Canada aligns closely with European values and policies, although formal accession to the EU would require significant treaty amendments. Currently, the Canadian government has dismissed the idea, but public opinion polls indicate that a majority of Canadians are open to the notion.
Since 2022, Canada has had a land border with the EU, specifically with Denmark, on Hans Island, a remote Arctic territory measuring just 1.3 square kilometers. This border runs along a fissure that divides the island from north to south.
The dispute over Hans Island, which has lasted nearly five decades, has seen both countries claim rights to the territory under international law. The island is located 18 kilometers from both nations, allowing for these claims. In 2022, then-Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly announced, “We have a new land and maritime border,” referring to the resolution of the long-standing territorial dispute.
“We are ending a dispute that many have called the ‘Whisky War.’ I think it was the friendliest of all wars,” she added, referencing the tradition where Canadian and Danish military personnel would visit the island, remove each other’s flags, and leave either Canadian whisky or Danish schnapps as a symbolic gesture.
Foundations of Partnership
The strategic partnership between Canada and the EU was established in 1959 with the signing of an agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. According to the Canadian government, these relations are founded on shared values, a long history of close cooperation, and strong human connections. The EU also emphasizes the historical, cultural, political, and economic ties between its member states and Canada, considering Ottawa one of its closest partners.
Both Canada and the EU advocate for freedom, democracy, rule of law, respect for human rights, free trade, and a rules-based international order. They share similar social policies, particularly regarding robust public services, including healthcare, pensions, and social security.
In 2016, the two parties signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which eliminated most tariffs and streamlined regulations, facilitating investment. However, some Canadian activists have previously protested against this agreement, fearing potential privatization of public services and threats to local agriculture.
Impact of Global Events
The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role in strengthening EU-Canada relations. From the outset, both parties emphasized international solidarity. In May 2020, they jointly organized a conference in Brussels to coordinate a global response to the pandemic, supporting the World Health Organization and facilitating vaccine access for poorer nations.
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Canada and the EU united in their support for Kyiv, implementing coordinated sanctions against Moscow and providing extensive security, financial, material, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
The deterioration of relations between Canada and the U.S. last year, particularly after Donald Trump’s return to the White House, has also contributed to the strengthening of ties with the EU. Trump’s threats to annex Canada and impose tariffs on certain goods have raised concerns among Canadians, leading to a decisive victory for Liberal leader Mark Carney in the 2025 elections.
Despite the critical importance of U.S.-Canada relations for economic, geopolitical, and security reasons, both countries are keen to find common ground. The U.S., Mexico, and Canada are expected to begin an official review of their trade agreement, which established a free trade zone in 2020, by July 1.
Growing Trade
Meanwhile, bilateral trade in goods and services between Canada and the EU continues to grow, reaching €125 billion in 2024, up from €123 billion in 2023. The EU is Canada’s second-largest trading partner after the U.S., while Canada ranks as the EU’s 12th largest trading partner.
Approximately a quarter of European exports consist of machinery, with chemicals and pharmaceuticals also being significant exports. In contrast, Canada primarily exports minerals, including critical minerals such as lithium and rare earth elements.
Strengthening Arctic Alliance
Throughout 2025, Carney has openly discussed the need to rethink relations with the U.S. and diversify military and energy ties by enhancing cooperation with reliable allies in Europe and other regions that support a rules-based international order.
The growing influence of Russia and China in the Arctic, coupled with Trump’s recent comments about potentially annexing Greenland, have intensified efforts to expand strategic cooperation within the Northern Alliance. In March 2026, leaders from Canada and Scandinavian countries met in Oslo, publicly committing to deepen cooperation and uphold a rules-based international order.
They emphasized the importance of ensuring Arctic security and discussed closer collaboration on energy security, supply chains for critical minerals, and trade. Carney also announced a $35 billion investment in Arctic defense and northern infrastructure during the March 2026 summit.
During last year’s Canada-EU summit in Brussels, Carney signed a new defense and security partnership agreement, stating that Canada is “the most European of non-European countries.” While some observers view this as political rhetoric, it raises historical and sociological questions.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot suggested in March 2026, partly in jest, that Canada could one day join the EU. He noted that nine countries are currently official candidates for EU membership, with others potentially joining in the future. In response, Carney stated that Canada has no intention of pursuing such a path.
Public sentiment in Canada appears to support the idea of closer ties with the EU. A YouGov Canada poll last year indicated that 42% of Canadians would support EU membership. A more recent Spark Advocacy survey shows that many Canadians believe the country should consider joining the EU amid rising geopolitical tensions.
In Europe, over 40% of respondents in five major EU countries—France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain—expressed support for Canada’s potential EU membership, with Germany showing the highest support at 55%.
While full EU membership for Canada remains unlikely in the short term, the idea is gaining traction amid geopolitical turbulence. Experts suggest that being considered “European” is more a matter of mindset than geography.
Despite the absence of a formal campaign advocating for EU membership in Canada, many citizens are open to the discussion, especially given the ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. As the global landscape evolves, the prospect of Canada aligning more closely with the EU may warrant further examination.
As Canada seeks to strengthen ties with the EU amidst strained relations with the U.S., public support for potential EU membership is growing. Analysts highlight shared values and increasing trade as key factors in this evolving partnership.