Recently, relations between the United States and Canada have become increasingly tense. Trade wars, tariffs, and political friction have led Canada to realize it cannot place all its hopes solely on the U.S. As a result, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has begun turning his attention toward the European Union, proposing the establishment of a "unique alliance" with the EU.

Trudeau made it clear: Canada does not intend to become an EU member. Instead, he seeks a "custom-tailored" relationship with the EU. According to *The Wall Street Journal*, he has dispatched European envoys to explore cooperation options beyond "full EU membership or participation in the single market." In other words, Canada wants to get closer to the EU without crossing the formal threshold of joining.

Why can't Canada join formally? The most direct reason is geography. The EU requires member states to be located in Europe. Although Canada shares cultural, institutional, and value similarities with Europe—such as parliamentary democracy, universal healthcare, and social welfare—and even has a tiny land border with Europe via Denmark at Hans Island, it remains geographically outside Europe. Joining the EU would require navigating a complex accession process and securing unanimous approval from all 27 current members. With nine countries already in the candidate queue and waiting lists growing long, full EU membership for Canada is essentially unrealistic.

What might this "unique alliance" look like? Specific details remain undisclosed, but both sides have discussed bold ideas: reducing trade barriers; laying submarine cables connecting Europe and Canada; modifying pipelines to enable European access to Canadian natural gas; building new infrastructure for artificial intelligence and technology; and even allowing Canadians to live and work in Europe without visas. If realized, such measures would transform Canada-EU relations in unprecedented ways. The EU ambassador to Canada also stated that this partnership would differ fundamentally from any existing relationship.

In fact, Canada and the EU are already closely aligned. In 2017, both parties largely implemented the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). By 2025, bilateral trade in goods and services reached €130.8 billion (~$151 billion), a growth of over 80% in a decade. The EU exports cars, machinery, and pharmaceuticals to Canada; Canada supplies Europe with crude oil, fertilizers, critical minerals, and base metals. The foundation for trade is already substantial.

Trudeau previously served as Governor of the Bank of England, giving him deep ties to Europe. His first international visit after taking office was to France, where he declared Canada is "the most European-like non-European country." Finnish President Sauli Niinistö called the idea of Canada joining the EU a "perfect match," adding, "It would be wonderful if Canada became the EU’s 28th member rather than America’s 51st state."

However, not everyone within the EU supports this idea. Ten EU member states have yet to ratify the Canada-EU trade agreement. Domestically in Canada, opinions are divided. Polls show about 80% of Canadians support deepening cooperation with the EU on foreign policy, defense, and economic matters—a six-point increase from previous levels. 56% believe Canada shares more common ground with the EU than with the U.S., and 49% support joining the EU, with stronger backing from centrist and left-wing groups.

Yet concerns persist: getting too close to the EU might further strain relations with the U.S., Canada’s largest trading partner, and some fear a loss of national sovereignty. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Trudeau as "out of touch with reality," emphasizing: "We will never become America’s 51st state, nor will we ever become the EU’s 28th country."

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1876449670524940/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author