Australia 'on the same page' as Canada as it seeks deeper EU alliance

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Australia and Canada’s moves to deepen trade and political ties with the EU are prompting debate over what closer alignment means in a world where reliance on the US is seen as less certain. Commenters contrast these pragmatic arrangements with earlier Brexit-era fantasies of a CANZUK-style Anglosphere bloc, noting that geography, existing trade patterns, and domestic politics (especially around agriculture and immigration) limit how far integration can realistically go. The conversation widens into questions about why like-minded democracies don’t have broader free trade and mobility frameworks, highlighting internal trade barriers in Canada and the political difficulty of dismantling protected sectors.

Brexit, CANZUK, and “Anglosphere” Fantasies

  • Several comments contrast pre‑Brexit rhetoric about a UK‑led CANZUK/Anglosphere bloc with current reality.
  • Claims that the idea of Australia “throwing back in” with the UK’s “ghost empire” is fantasy; the UK is seen as having little to offer beyond a symbolic monarch.
  • Some argue these developments should end UK ideas of leading an alternative to the EU.

Australia’s Relationship with the EU

  • Multiple commenters stress the article is about deeper ties and trade, not EU membership.
  • Some Australians say EU membership makes no sense due to distance and regional trade focus (China, Japan, NZ, US).
  • Others counter with data showing EU–Australia trade roughly comparable in value to US–Australia trade, calling the claim that “continental Europe isn’t a major partner” incorrect.
  • A free trade agreement (FTA) with the EU has been negotiated; commenters note it includes near‑total tariff removal, better access to critical minerals, and provisions for services and multi‑year work visas.

Canada–EU Trade and Internal Canadian Barriers

  • Canada already has a deep FTA with the EU (CETA), removing most tariffs.
  • Remaining friction is concentrated in sensitive agriculture (notably dairy) and strict rules of origin and compliance with EU standards.
  • Separate discussion highlights that Canada does not have seamless internal trade:
    • No inter‑provincial tariffs, but significant regulatory, tax, and sales‑tax differences.
    • Barriers particularly affect food, alcohol, and online/digital sales.
  • Some argue internal barriers are gradually shrinking, others emphasize complexity remains a real obstacle.

Agriculture, Subsidies, and Trade Politics

  • Long subthread debates US vs Canadian farm support:
    • Canada’s supply‑management system for dairy, poultry, eggs vs US price supports, crop insurance, and indirect subsidies.
    • Both sides see agriculture as politically protected and hard to integrate into “fair” free trade.
  • There is broad agreement that these protected sectors repeatedly complicate trade deals like CETA and USMCA.

Broader Alignment with the EU and “Free World” Integration

  • Commenters note many countries seek closer alignment with Europe rather than with Russia, China, or even the US, especially amid US trade unpredictability.
  • Some advocate a wider free‑trade / free‑movement hub among “free world” countries (EU, Canada, Australia, Japan, Taiwan), but others highlight:
    • Cultural, geographic, and time‑zone gaps.
    • Deep differences in visa regimes and domestic politics.
    • Concerns that even Schengen is under strain, making global extensions unrealistic.

Miscellaneous and Light Points

  • Mentions of Eurovision participation as a tongue‑in‑cheek “step 0” to alignment.
  • References to overlapping European structures (EU, Schengen, customs unions) and the complexity of further expansion.