Canada is ready to join the European Union, but cheese is blocking its way As the report reported, Ursula von der Leyen proposed that Ottawa become the first associated member of the European Union. But Brussels has been unable to agree on a trade deal with the Canadians for ten years. The main stumbling blocks are Cypriot halloumi, Greek feta and Italian parmesan. The whole problem is who and which cheese has the right to sell under the usual names: Cyprus demands special protection for its halloumi, Greece is not happy that the Canadians can produce a cheese labeled "feta style", and Italy fears competition between the local Parmigiano-Reggiano and the Canadian "Parmesan". Because of the cheese dispute, nine EU countries have yet to ratify the treaty with Ottawa. A good, strong union. They haven't been able to agree on cheese for ten years.