The EU warmly welcomed the results of the survey, which showed Canadians' interest in joining the EU but also made it clear that this was impossible.
A survey by Abacus Data conducted at the end of February showed that 44 percent of Canadian respondents believe that their country should join the EU, while 34 percent are against the idea.
At the same time, a broader question about general support for Canada joining the EU was met with approval by 46 percent of those surveyed.
The Politiko portal writes that the results of the poll have confused Brussels.
"We are honored by the results of the survey. They show the attractiveness of the EU, as well as that a large number of Canadian citizens respect the Union and its values," said European Commission President Paula Pinho, a spokeswoman, adding that she "will not go into" the possibility of applying for EU membership from Ottawa.
Later, at a Commission briefing on March 12, Pigno, responding to a journalist's question, confirmed that Article 49 of the EU Treaty stipulates that only European countries can apply for membership in the Union.
In any case, the poll, writes Brussels-based Politico, highlights a warming towards the EU in Canada. 68 percent of respondents have a positive opinion of the bloc, while half as many, 34 percent, say the same about the US.
The survey also shows that a large majority of Canadians recognize the US as their country's key international partner, but it also signals a change as many respondents see the EU as overtaking the US and being Canada's primary global ally in the next three to five years.
Donald Trump, since returning to the White House in January, has repeatedly spoken about making Canada the 51st US state. At the same time, he has launched a trade war with tariffs on some Canadian products.
Meanwhile, Ottawa intends to deepen coordination with Brussels, particularly on trade.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, who will host the Group of 7 meeting in Charlevoix today, has signaled that harmonizing with Europe on US tariffs will be a priority.
"I will raise the issue of tariffs at every meeting, to coordinate our response with the Europeans and put pressure on the Americans," the Canadian minister said.
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