Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson joked there may be a place for Canada in the European Union to join “like-minded” nations as “the most Nordic country in the world outside the Nordics.”
Taking this seriously for a second: Legally there is no real fundamental obstacle to Canada joining the EU. While only “European” countries are intended to join, this is not a strict geographic criterion (Cyprus is commonly not considered part of geographical Europe). It basically suffices that all member states and Canada agree on Canada being European. Maybe it would help if Canada joined Eurovision before though. Ask Australia for directions if necessary ;)
Much bigger are the political obstacles, for many reasons. Joining the EU is not merely joining a free trade zone, it is more like joining a confederation. That said, it is also hard to imagine how NAFTA membership and being part of the Single Market could be possible at the same time. Never mind the nighmare of having a long Single Market border with the US.
Of course if there is sufficient will there is a way but I don’t see it. One does not always have to marry, being friends is also an option.
Taking this seriously for a second: Legally there is no real fundamental obstacle to Canada joining the EU. While only “European” countries are intended to join, this is not a strict geographic criterion (Cyprus is commonly not considered part of geographical Europe). It basically suffices that all member states and Canada agree on Canada being European. Maybe it would help if Canada joined Eurovision before though. Ask Australia for directions if necessary ;)
Much bigger are the political obstacles, for many reasons. Joining the EU is not merely joining a free trade zone, it is more like joining a confederation. That said, it is also hard to imagine how NAFTA membership and being part of the Single Market could be possible at the same time. Never mind the nighmare of having a long Single Market border with the US.
Of course if there is sufficient will there is a way but I don’t see it. One does not always have to marry, being friends is also an option.