The European Union and Canada have finalized a Security and Defence Partnership and initiated projects in industrial policy and digital trade during a bilateral summit held yesterday.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa welcomed Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney in Brussels, just days after he hosted the G7 Summit in Kananaskis.
With these agreements, the EU and Canada have entered a new phase in their already close strategic partnership.
The Security and Defence Partnership signed yesterday allows Canada to participate in joint defence procurements alongside EU Member States under the SAFE instrument, enhancing Canadas role in the EUs security framework.
President von der Leyen announced that negotiations will begin soon on a second agreement that will enable the Canadian defence industry to also engage in joint procurements.
As the President stated: “Together, we will define where our cooperation can add the most value, and where we should direct joint investments. This will benefit our industries, our people, and transatlantic security as well.”
The EU and Canada also reaffirmed their strong support for Ukraine and committed to maintaining pressure on Russia to engage in negotiations. They reiterated their ongoing support for Moldova as it faces Russias attempts to undermine it.
Simultaneously, in light of current events in the Middle East, both parties reiterated calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. They also urged for de-escalation between Israel and Iran, while reaffirming that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons and that its destabilizing role in the region requires attention.
Regarding trade and economy, the leaders celebrated the achievements of the EU-Canada Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement (CETA), which has resulted in a 65% increase in bilateral trade in goods since its provisional application.
“CETA stands as a strong symbol of the power of free and fair trade. I must emphasize, 98% of our tariff lines are at zero. I repeat: zero,” President von der Leyen highlighted.
Building on that success, both partners pledged to enhance cooperation under their Strategic Partnership on Raw Materials and launched an EU-Canada Industrial Policy Dialogue for government and industry representatives from both sides of the Atlantic to explore ways to strengthen common supply chains.
Moreover, the EU and Canada agreed to initiate negotiations on a Digital Trade Agreement and will seek to collaborate on Artificial Intelligence by aligning standards and eventually including Canada in the EUs AI Factories initiative.
More information
Joint Statement following the European Union - Canada 2025 Summit