As mentioned in the post above, what constitutes as European is decided by the European Council and European Commission. You are correct in that it is a requirement but there is nothing stopping them from going “Canada is European, as it shares our values, ideals, and ideologies”. The decision does not have to be geographical.
It’s unlikely and kind of a “the rules don’t say a dog can’t play basketball” type move but it’s technically valid.
As the parliament says
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20180126STO94113/enlargement-how-do-countries-join-the-eu
Since according to Article 49
https://publications.europa.eu/resource/cellar/0ae670d2-1ece-4994-b1e3-adda39e1c6de.0006.03/DOC_1
Just like Hungary does?
They did when they got in.
The problem is that it’s impossible to kick out a member if they stop respecting the EU’s democratic values whilst being a member.
Cyprus isn’t in Europe at all and is in the EU. You just have to be “substantially” European, according to whatever committee.
Failing that, it’s possible to be in the EU in every way but officially. Norway and Switzerland have that situation.
As mentioned in the post above, what constitutes as European is decided by the European Council and European Commission. You are correct in that it is a requirement but there is nothing stopping them from going “Canada is European, as it shares our values, ideals, and ideologies”. The decision does not have to be geographical.
It’s unlikely and kind of a “the rules don’t say a dog can’t play basketball” type move but it’s technically valid.