EU top diplomat sparks debate with Arctic argument for Canada’s membership

In a striking remark made during the NATO summit in The Hague, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, suggested that Canada could, in theory, join the European Union—despite its location on a separate continent.

Speaking to reporters, Kallas was asked about the prospects of Canadian accession to the EU. In response, she proposed a novel geographic rationale for such a move, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“You know, I have already been asked about Canada wanting to join the EU. We are happy to have all our friends, but there is a small problem – they are not in Europe. However, there is a simple answer to this – the Arctic! They border us in the Arctic!” she said.

Her comments, while seemingly tongue-in-cheek, have sparked widespread interest and debate about the geopolitical symbolism and practicality of Canada seeking closer alignment with Europe.

Kallas framed Canada’s Arctic proximity as a plausible point of connection, suggesting that Canadian territory “borders the European one ‘in the Arctic.’” She added that this could be reason enough to argue “Canada is not America, but Europe.”

The lighthearted but provocative remarks come at a time of rising transatlantic tensions. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state of the United States—remarks that have alarmed Canadian officials and fueled speculation about Ottawa’s desire to diversify its strategic alliances.

Rumors of Canadian interest in joining the European Union gained momentum following Trump’s recent rhetoric about the potential annexation of Canadian territories. While such suggestions are widely regarded as speculative and impractical, they reflect deeper unease about the country’s future in a shifting global order.

By Vafa Guliyeva