Canada and EU sign security and defense partnership to deepen transatlantic cooperation

Canada and the European Union have signed a new security and defense partnership aimed at reducing Canada’s dependence on the United States and expanding joint participation in European defense initiatives.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and the European Union formalized a security and defense partnership on Monday, seeking to strengthen collaboration and reduce Canada’s reliance on the United States. The agreement comes in the wake of statements by Donald Trump threatening to annex Canada, prompting Ottawa to shift its defense focus toward Europe.

A central objective of the partnership is to allow Canada to participate in the EU’s new defense spending programs, including the multi-billion euro ReArm Europe initiative. Canada and European NATO members have also pledged to dramatically increase defense spending, a commitment expected to be reaffirmed at the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague.

“While NATO remains the cornerstone of our collective defense, this partnership will allow us to strengthen our preparedness faster and better — to invest more and smarter,” said European Council President António Costa at a post-summit press conference.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen added that the partnership will enhance Canada’s role in Europe’s evolving defense architecture, emphasizing, “It’s just the beginning.” She noted that the partnership will benefit industries, people, and transatlantic security.

A joint statement released Monday outlined plans for Ottawa and Brussels to negotiate a bilateral agreement related to the EU’s €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) plan. SAFE is currently limited to EU countries and close allies and provides loans for weapons procurement and joint procurement opportunities.

Carney expressed satisfaction at the prospect of participating in SAFE, citing benefits for industrial growth, jurisdictional security, and cost-effectiveness for both parties.

According to the security and defense partnership, the EU and Canada will explore cooperation on military assistance for Ukraine and improve the interoperability and movement of military equipment, personnel, and supplies. They will also expand collaboration on Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) projects to enhance Canadian military mobility in Europe and discuss further opportunities for Canada’s involvement in other PESCO projects.

Carney called for more progress in defense cooperation, particularly in aerospace and dual-use industrial initiatives. The EU and Canada will also hold an annual security and defense dialogue and consider establishing an administrative arrangement between Canada and the European Defence Agency

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