Canada – the new member state of the EU? – Rules and History of EU Memberships

Abstract

This paper investigates the theoretical feasibility and implications of Canadian accession to the European Union (EU), a scenario that challenges conventional geographic and political boundaries of EU enlargement. Prompted by recent shifts in global geopolitics and Canadian public opinion, the study evaluates whether Canada meets the legal, political, and economic criteria for EU membership as outlined in Article 49 of the Treaty on European Union and the Copenhagen criteria. Drawing on comparative data across democracy, human rights, economic competitiveness, and institutional capacity, the analysis demonstrates that Canada aligns closely with EU standards and, in many cases, surpasses existing member states. The paper also explores the legal ambiguity of defining a "European state," the potential institutional impact of Canadian membership, and the compatibility of Canada's existing international obligations with EU law. While full membership would entail significant legal and political adjustments, including treaty renegotiations and institutional restructuring, the study concludes that Canadian EU accession is theoretically plausible and politically contingent. Alternative integration models, such as EFTA membership or enhanced association agreements, are also considered as viable pathways for deepening EU-Canada relations.