In recent years, Canada has been aggressively diversifying its trade relationships, seeking to reduce its economic reliance on the United States. This shift has been prompted by the increasingly unstable and protectionist trade policies emanating from Washington, which have left even long-standing allies questioning the reliability of the U.S. as a trade partner. Amid these uncertainties, Canada has been forging deeper economic ties with countries and entities beyond the U.S.—most notably, the European Union (EU). While this strategy might seem a prudent move in the short term, there are profound prophetic implications that could reshape the global economic landscape in the not-so-distant future. According to biblical prophecy, a powerful European economic empire will rise, eventually transforming these trade partnerships into instruments of subjugation for nations like Canada, Britain, and the United States.

The EU: A Sleeping Economic Giant Awakens

Canada’s recent push to strengthen its economic ties with the EU is evident in the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which has significantly boosted bilateral trade since its provisional implementation in 2017. Trade between Canada and the EU has seen robust growth, with Canadian exports to Europe rising sharply. However, this may only be the beginning of a much larger geopolitical shift.

Prophetic Foundations: The Rise of a European Economic Powerhouse

The Bible contains several passages that foretell the emergence of a powerful economic and political entity in Europe, often interpreted as a revived Roman Empire. This empire, described symbolically in prophetic books, is expected to dominate global trade and exert substantial influence over the nations, including those descended from ancient Israel, such as the United States, Britain, and Canada.

Daniel 2 and Daniel 7 provide the foundational prophecies for understanding this future European superpower. In Daniel 2, King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a statue with different metal parts symbolizes successive world empires. The legs of iron and feet partly of iron and partly of clay represent the Roman Empire and its eventual revival in a divided form (Daniel 2:40-43). The ten toes signify a coalition of ten kings or nations.

Similarly, Daniel 7:7-8, 23-24 describes a fourth beast, “dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong,” with ten horns, symbolizing the same revived Roman Empire.

Revelation 17 builds on Daniel’s vision, describing a beast with seven heads and ten horns. This beast is supported by a harlot, symbolizing a powerful religious influence allied with the political empire. The ten horns, representing ten kings, “receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast” (Revelation 17:12). This alliance suggests a temporary but powerful coalition that will dominate global trade and politics.

Additionally, Revelation 18 depicts this future European superpower as an economic giant, a great commercial system symbolized by “Babylon the Great.” It describes a wealthy and influential trading empire whose goods are coveted by merchants worldwide (Revelation 18:11-13). The chapter highlights the immense economic power of this system and its impact on global commerce.

Trading with the Beast: An Equal Partner Only for a Time

In the initial stages of this emerging European superpower, Canada will likely benefit from what seems to be a mutually respectful and lucrative trade partnership. Canada’s rich resources—energy, minerals, and agricultural products—will be of great interest to the EU, and both sides will capitalize on these exchanges. This period will offer Canada an opportunity to secure new markets and hedge against U.S. trade uncertainties.

However, biblical prophecy warns that this phase will be temporary. The Scriptures foretell that this resurrected Roman Empire, symbolically referred to as the Beast, will not remain content with equal partnerships for long. As its power grows, it will subjugate nations, including Canada, Britain, and even the United States. What begins as a promising trade relationship will gradually shift into a scenario where Canada and its allies find themselves economically and politically subdued. Trade agreements will be replaced with mandates, and sovereignty will be compromised.

The Time of Jacob’s Trouble

The Bible also speaks of a future period known as the “time of Jacob’s trouble,” a time of great distress and calamity for the modern descendants of ancient Israel, including the United States, Britain, and other English-speaking nations such as Canada.

Jeremiah 30:4-7 explicitly describes this period:

 “Now these are the words that the Lord spoke concerning Israel and Judah. For thus says the Lord: ‘We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. Ask now, and see, whether a man is ever in labor with child? So why do I see every man with his hands on his loins like a woman in labor, and all faces turned pale? Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it; and it is the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.’”

Hosea 5:5 and Hosea 7:11 also warn of Ephraim (symbolic of Britain and its commonwealth nations, including Canada) seeking alliances with foreign powers, leading to downfall. Canada’s pursuit of new trade relationships is a rational response to current uncertainties, yet it is essential to recognize the broader prophetic context. The rise of a powerful European economic empire is not a distant possibility—it is an imminent reality foretold in biblical prophecy. For Canada, the path forward may offer short-term gains but also significant long-term risks. Understanding these prophetic truths can help us view today’s headlines with clarity and prepare for the dramatic changes that lie ahead.