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| quote: | Originally posted by imokruok
1) The EU is the world's largest single market in actual numbers, but is hardly the largest single market in operation. Try and sell the same product in the UK, and then in Poland. Compare it to selling the same product in Alaska and Florida. The internal barriers within the EU are still burdensome - the single market is not there yet.
2) Canada and the US have the largest bilateral trading relationship in the world, and NAFTA plays a huge role in that. The EU does not allow member states to negotiate their own trade treaties. So Canada would probably have to withdraw from NAFTA, thereby negating any economic benefits of joining the EU.
The only reason for Canada to join the EU would be for political spite, and that spite would utterly destroy their economy. |
In reponse to 1: The single market is fast approaching. Just becasue it's not here right now doesn't mean it's not OK to prepare for it, should it be here in about 5 to 10 years.
For #2: How would Canada withdrawling from NAFTA negate any economic benefits of joining the EU?
Thirdly, isn't the EU's charter (& constitution) the most advanced, free, and open-minded charter around? Wouldn't Canada joining the EU make it even more friendly (?) to the world than it is already, as it would show less reliance on the US? After all, many people unfortunately view Canada as a little sister to and even a part of the US! :-(
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