Trump is pushing Canada closer to Europe — Could it join the EU?

Canada seeks closer economic ties with Europe amid US tensions, but faces hurdles in associate EU membership proposal

Canada is exploring closer economic ties with Europe as tensions with the Trump administration reshape its trade strategy.

Professor Tim Harcourt says Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has proposed associate membership of the European Union as Ottawa looks to deepen its relationship with the bloc.

However, Harcourt notes there is currently no provision for a non-European country to become an associate EU member.

That sets Canada’s proposal apart from arrangements such as Norway’s relationship with the EU and could require a new framework for closer integration.

The proposal highlights Canada’s push to diversify its economic partnerships as uncertainty grows around its relationship with the United States.