A recent poll indicates growing openness among Canadians to closer ties with the European Union, including potential membership. The survey, conducted in 2026, reveals that 48 percent of Canadian citizens would not oppose Canada becoming the 28th member state of the EU, a move that would fill the void left by the United Kingdom’s departure following Brexit. This sentiment is coupled with 34 percent of Canadians opposing such a move, and 18 percent remaining undecided.
The possibility of Canada joining the EU comes as transatlantic relationships are being reshaped by shifting geopolitical dynamics and economic policies. The idea gains traction amidst ongoing concerns over protectionist trade measures and a perceived decline in the reliability of traditional allies. For many Canadians, the EU now represents a more stable and predictable partner than the United States, a sentiment that extends beyond the policies of any single administration.
Support for EU membership varies across the Canadian political spectrum. According to the poll, 56 percent of Liberal voters – the party currently in power – favor joining the EU, with 28 percent opposed. Latest Democratic Party (NDP) voters display similar levels of support at 56 percent in favor and 29 percent against. However, Conservative voters are more divided, with 44 percent opposing EU membership and 45 percent supporting it – the only demographic group where opposition slightly outweighs support.
Brexit and the Potential for Expansion
Should Canada become a full member, the EU would return to its pre-Brexit composition of 28 member states. The UK formally left the European Union on January 31, 2020, fundamentally altering the political and economic landscape of Europe. The Council of the European Union recently cleared the path for financial assistance to eight member states and concluded the Canada agreement, signaling a strengthening of ties.
Shifting Alliances and the Trump Factor
The renewed consideration of closer Canada-EU ties is, in part, a response to the trade policies enacted during the Trump administration. The imposition of tariffs and pressure on Canadian leaders regarding territorial issues prompted a reassessment of international partnerships. As Eunews reports, Canada has emerged as a key partner for the EU in the G7 and G20, particularly in the context of a changing global order.
Some observers suggest Canada possesses a cultural and political affinity with Europe, often described as “the most European of non-European states” due to its strong Anglo-Saxon and French influences. This perception is reinforced by polling data showing only 10 percent of Canadians would favor becoming the 51st state of the United States. The administration of Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Canadian civil society more broadly, currently views the EU as a more reliable partner than either the US or the UK.
A Unique Arctic Border
Interestingly, Canada shares a small land border with Europe – a little over one kilometer across Hans Island in the Arctic. This remote island is also claimed by Denmark, highlighting ongoing territorial considerations in the region, similar to the situation with Greenland. The presence of this border, though largely symbolic, underscores the geographical proximity and potential for increased cooperation between Canada and Europe.
The discussion surrounding Canada’s potential EU membership also comes amid concerns about the internal cohesion of the EU itself. Countries like Hungary, Slovakia, and Czechia have been criticized for aligning with policies perceived as favorable to the Trump administration, potentially hindering EU efforts on issues such as sanctions against Russia and aid to Ukraine.
As Canada and the EU continue to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, the possibility of closer integration remains a topic of considerable discussion. The next steps will likely involve further diplomatic engagement and a more detailed assessment of the economic and political implications of Canadian membership. The outcome of this deliberation will undoubtedly shape the future of transatlantic relations and the evolving role of both Canada and the EU on the world stage.
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