The German government does not currently view Canada’s potential membership in the European Union as a high priority, although it has not completely ruled out the possibility. Speaking to the dts news agency on Wednesday, government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius stated that while Canadian and EU relations are already “extremely close” deeper integration is not the supreme goal. He emphasized that the relationship is already based significantly on NATO membership and many overarching transatlantic ties. Kornelius explained that the framework established by the free trade agreement has created an ample scope for cooperation, and the focus will continue to be on expanding along this existing path.
Meanwhile, calls for a larger union are coming from other quarters. Recently, Finnish President Alexander Stubb noted during a visit to Canada that he envisions a “much larger European Union” adding that the ultimate decision regarding Canada’s participation must be made by the nation itself. Public opinion also shows support for expansion; according to a recent poll conducted by the Canadian newspaper “The Globe and Mail”, almost 60 percent of Canadians favor exploring the possibility of Canada joining the European Union.