A German politician, Joachim Streit, is leading a tenacious campaign for Canada to join the European Union, an idea gaining traction among some Canadians and Europeans. This initiative is spurred by strained transatlantic relations under Donald Trump's presidency, with proponents highlighting Canada's 'European' nature, economic strength, and strategic assets as mutual benefits, despite existing treaty technicalities.
Canada won’t become the 51st US state – but could it join the EU?
CanadaEuropean UnionMark CarneyDonald TrumpUS foreign policyNatoGermanyEurope
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A German politician, Joachim Streit, is leading a tenacious campaign for Canada to join the European Union, an idea gaining traction among some Canadians and Europeans. This initiative is spurred by strained transatlantic relations under Donald Trump's presidency, with proponents highlighting Canada's 'European' nature, economic strength, and strategic assets as mutual benefits, despite existing treaty technicalities.
Trending- 1 Late January 2025: Former German foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel called for Canada to be invited into the EU.
- 2 February 2025: A poll found 44% of Canadians believed Canada should look into joining the EU.
- 3 March 2025: A European spokesperson cited an EU treaty article as a barrier to Canadian membership.
- 4 April 2025: Joachim Streit submitted a written question to the European parliament regarding Canadian membership.
- 5 May 2025 (last month): Joachim Streit launched his campaign for Canada to join the EU.
- 6 Ongoing: Streit is in constant contact with Canadian envoys and trade associations, and his office receives emails of support.
- Increased discussion on transatlantic alliances and Canada's role in global dynamics
- Potential for deeper ties between the EU and Canada
- Strained US-Canada and US-Europe relations due to Trump's policies
What: German politician Joachim Streit is campaigning for Canada to join the European Union, an idea supported by some and gaining traction due to strained transatlantic relations under Donald Trump's presidency. The proposal aims to strengthen the EU and create a mutually beneficial alliance.
When: The campaign was launched last month (May 2025). Calls for Canada to join the EU emerged in late January (2025). A poll was conducted in February (2025). An EU spokesperson commented in March (2025). Streit submitted a question to the European parliament in April (2025). The discussions are ongoing.
Where: The campaign originates from Germany (Joachim Streit, Sigmar Gabriel) and targets the European Union. Discussions involve Canada, Europe, and the United States. Meetings have occurred in Brussels. Geographical connections like Hans Island (bordering Greenland) are cited.
Why: The primary motivations are to strengthen the European Union, to forge a mutually beneficial relationship with Canada (given its economic standing, NATO membership, education levels, and energy reserves), and as a strategic response to Donald Trump's actions, which have undermined trust in the US among traditional allies.
How: Joachim Streit launched a public campaign, submitted a written question to the European parliament, sent a letter to EU commissioners proposing a 'political Erasmus' exchange program, and is in constant contact with Canadian envoys and trade associations to build support and explore pathways for deeper integration.