EU and Canada conclude partnership on defence and security

The European Union and Canada have concluded a so-called partnership on security and defence. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas signed the agreement with the Canadian representative on Monday after an EU-Canada summit in Brussels. "At a time of rising tensions, it will deepen our defence ties and open up new forms of cooperation," Kallas said on X.

The partnership, called Security Action for Europe SAFE, is a requirement for non-EU countries to be eligible for the 150 billion euros that the European Commission will lend to member states for the purchase of weapons. To be eligible, Canada must cooperate with another EU member state.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called the partnership a “historic step to deepen the relationship between Canada and the European Union.” In a press conference afterwards, he stressed the importance of working with the EU “in a rapidly changing world” where a “new world order” is developing.

The EU previously concluded a similar partnership with the United Kingdom and talks are also underway with Australia.