Europe Needs Space and Resources, Canada Needs People
Europe stands to gain more from connecting with Canada than just access to Quebec’s maple syrup reserves, according to The Economist.
When it comes to international conflicts, none have disrupted the global order as little as the “whisky wars” that lasted for four decades between Canada and Denmark.
Canada and the EU could benefit from a closer relationship, especially in the face of rising tensions globally. While the EU is overcrowded and lacking in minerals, Canada is vast and rich in resources but has a relatively small population. This imbalance could be addressed through EU expansion, inviting Canada to become its 28th member.
Canada has strong ties to Europe, having endured waves of colonization. Like Europeans, Canadians believe in functioning markets tempered by social policies. Both sides share concerns over global warming, oppose weapons, and value high living standards. The union would also gain valuable energy resources, as Canada has abundant oil, gas, and hydroelectric power.
For Europe, this expansion could mean tripling its territory without significantly increasing population density. Canada could also help alleviate Europe’s energy shortage, while benefiting from European trade and policies. French-speaking Quebec would make the integration easier for France, which has historically supported the EU’s expansion.
On the other hand, Canada could learn from Europe’s antitrust regulations, environmental policies, and defense spending. The EU’s single market has made trade easier among member countries, while Canada still faces challenges in internal trade.
Though Europe has been resistant to expanding beyond European borders, a closer relationship with Canada could still provide economic, environmental, and strategic benefits. The EU’s trade agreement with Canada, signed in 2017, remains under provisional application, and both sides should work toward finalizing it.
