Canada and the EU have forged a significant defence pact amidst global instability and shifting alliances prompted by leaders like Donald Trump. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, alongside EU officials, signed a security and defence partnership in Brussels, emphasizing joint efforts on various issues including support for Ukraine, climate crisis, and artificial intelligence. Carney highlighted Canada’s alignment with European values, stressing the importance of the EU in building a better world.

The agreement signals a deepening EU-Canada relationship, strengthened by their shared values and worldview, in contrast to Trump’s strained relationships with traditional allies. Carney’s victory pledge to avoid becoming the 51st US state underlines Canada’s commitment to diversifying international partnerships amid a challenging geopolitical landscape.

The security pact allows Canada access to the EU’s defence fund, enabling joint procurement and cooperation on capabilities like air defence. This landmark agreement, the first of its kind with a country in the Americas, encompasses joint work on cybersecurity, maritime and space security, arms control, and bolstering support for Ukraine. The pact also aims to enhance Canada’s defence capabilities, addressing its lagging defence spending within the NATO alliance.

With a substantial trading relationship underpinned by the Ceta pact, which eliminated tariffs, the EU-Canada partnership faces ratification challenges in some member states. As both sides prepare to swiftly launch talks on Canadian access to joint procurement schemes, the agreement signifies a strategic step towards strengthening transatlantic cooperation and enhancing global security measures.