Speaking at the 2026 European Conference in Berlin with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul, French Foreign Minister Barrot argued that as geopolitical tensions escalate, the EU is increasingly attracting partners beyond the bloc's borders.
Currently, there are 9 countries officially candidates to join the EU. Other countries may join them. Iceland in the next few weeks or months. And possibly Canada at some point" - Mr. Jean-Noel Barrot said.
The French diplomat's statement about Canada joining the EU was not presented as a detailed policy proposal but as part of the argument that the EU is emerging as a "third superpower" with the ability to balance competition between the US and China.
Previously, on March 17, while running together, Finnish President Alexander Stubb suggested to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that he should consider joining the EU.
These comments were made in the context of European leaders promoting the consolidation of the bloc's geopolitical role as the Russia-Ukraine and US-Israel-Iran conflicts are taking place.
Mr. Barrot believes that Europe has a unique position to attract countries to get closer together through economic strength, democracy models and regulatory power. "Many countries around the world are willing to get closer to our alliance," he said.
The French Foreign Minister also pointed out signs of new links with the United Kingdom, noting the debates in London on tightening relations with the common market, as well as strengthening cooperation with countries such as India and Switzerland.
Politico points out that discussing Canada as a potential EU member is increasingly popular in the context of Canada-US relations continuously undergoing many changes. In the first year of his second term, US President Donald Trump often mentioned turning Canada into a "51st state" of the United States.
A public opinion poll in Ottawa conducted in 2025 showed that 44% of Canadians believe the country should join the EU.
Mr. Barrot and Mr. Stubb are the highest-ranking politicians who supported this proposal, while the spokeswoman for the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, reacted positively to the poll results but ultimately rejected the idea as unfeasible.
Canada has opposed all proposals to join the EU, with Prime Minister Carney declaring that he has no plans to join the bloc. "The short answer is no. That's not an intention. That's not the path we are taking" - the Canadian Prime Minister said when asked about this idea at the NATO summit earlier this year.
Instead, Canada is pursuing closer relations with the EU without membership, including a new strategic defense and security partnership with the EU to strengthen cooperation in trade, supply chains and security.
Although Canada's accession to the EU is unlikely to happen in the short term and there is no detailed plan showing that this is being promoted, but with the increasingly unstable geopolitical situation, it is not impossible, Politico noted.
