Canada intends to join the EU's 90 billion euro loan package for Ukraine, using the opportunity to draw closer to Europe and seek to reduce its over-reliance on the United States.

According to a report by the Financial Times, Canada has initiated negotiations to participate in the EU’s total 90 billion euro aid program for Ukraine, aiming to finalize its financial contribution by the end of October this year.

Carney’s strategic intent goes beyond aiding Ukraine. Seizing this negotiation opportunity, Ottawa hopes to deepen comprehensive cooperation with the EU across trade, security, critical minerals, energy, AI computing power, and digital trade, establishing institutional mechanisms. Carney advocates for building a "middle powers alliance," attempting to create an international cooperation framework that does not fully depend on the United States.

However, structural challenges cannot be avoided. The United States has long been Canada’s top trading partner, with about 75% of Canada’s goods exports going to the U.S. It is extremely difficult to quickly sever economic ties with the U.S. So far, the UK is the only non-EU country to have joined this loan initiative.

By extending a diplomatic olive branch to Europe under the guise of supporting Ukraine, Canada is making a proactive attempt to pursue strategic autonomy. Yet constrained by the objective realities of geopolitics and economics, this “transatlantic alliance” is destined to be a prolonged struggle filled with challenges and requiring sustained negotiation.

Despite the grand strategic vision, Canada faces significant practical obstacles in rapidly reducing its dependence on the U.S.:

First, deep economic integration

The United States has long held the position of Canada’s largest trading partner. Currently, approximately two-thirds (around 75%) of Canada’s goods exports are directed toward the U.S. The European market simply cannot replace America’s role in Canada’s trade structure in the short term.

Second, internal resistance

Canada already faces difficulties managing regional separatist tendencies—such as those in Alberta and Quebec. If deeper integration with the EU requires ceding certain sovereign rights or accepting EU regulatory standards, Ottawa would proceed with extreme caution.

Third, institutional and political barriers

The EU remains cautious about granting non-European countries “associate member” status, fearing it may trigger a wave of similar demands from other nations. Meanwhile, ten European countries have yet to ratify the trade agreement previously reached between Canada and the EU, further complicating efforts to advance new cooperation.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876275210178624/

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