Dear Canadians,
my friend group has been talking about this on and off, and frankly I'm sick of talking about Canadians and would rather talk to Canadians.
It's my best estimation that Canadians would welcome closer cooperation, less reliance on the US and strong ties with the EU.
But for Federalists like me, the "ever closer union" the EU is supposed to be, should continue to improve (european institutions are far from perfect) but ultimatly become a single entity, basically a Federal Republic of Europe. And this is what, I believe, Canadians would balk at and I would not want a new EU member if they are resistant to this goal.
But there are, of course, exceptional benefits to being part of it and of becoming a single European Republic. I would not be a federalist if I did not believe that all member states would very much benefit from being just one of many federal states in this imagined European Republic. I just don't think that Canadians are actually ready for this.
Am I wrong about that? My friends think that if I can see how much we would benefit, why wouldn't you? Would you give up the Canadian Dollar, some sovereignity and the ultimate say about what happens to Canada to have an equal, representative and fair place at the table of a transpolar political entity. I mean... the canadian population is half that of Germany, Canada would be in fifth place in terms of voting power in that Union.
Personally I think it's a nice talking point to shock USians and it's a nice point to make a warm and fuzzy atmosphere in the room when Canada and the EU hammer out agreements to benefit both of us (middle powers etc.), but I do not think it's in any way realistic. What do you think?
Love from a German 🇪🇺❤️🇨🇦
Edit:
Wow, this got a lot of responses and I'm sorry I cannot respond to all of you. So let me just say this:
I feel honored by you all taking the time to respond and I'm picking up that there is a deep well of mutual affection and respect between the EU and Canada, which is lovely.
Having read all of your comments, I remain convinced that full formal membership would not really be the right relationship for both sides. But there is definitely a strong, mutual wish for very close cooperation based on common values and respect as partners. I think both Canada and the EU are really fed up with being treated as imperial vassal states by the US and can help each other strengthen our positions as middle-powers through various cooperation agreements while keeping canadian sovereignty intact.
Thank you all so very much for sharing your thoughts on this. ❤️
I don't claim to have the most sophisticated view on this.
There are some attractive aspects to being a part of the EU at the moment, but they could become less attractive, after building a major dependence on them, at which point leaving would be extremely harmful and difficult. In some ways, a bit like being so close with the USA, but moreso. And while Canada's voting could help to mitigate that in theory, the chairman of the IDU being Stephen Harper and our mass export of freaks like JP or Lauren Chen suggests we're not unlikely to fuck it up (wish it were not so, it'd be almost like giving Florida EU membership).
I think what could make sense is having a very strong relationship with the EU, including some bilateral regulations, maybe even some pooled funding for shared purposes, without necessarily being fully managed by the EU, and without necessarily having undue influence within the EU.