Canada is expected to sign a defence procurement agreement with the European Union later this month during Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to Brussels for the Canada-EU summit. This pact would enable Canada to negotiate joining the EU's €150-billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) loan program, part of the ReArm Europe initiative. The move aims to deepen Canada's integration into Europe's defence architecture and reduce its reliance on American military equipment, especially amid U.S. President Donald Trump's skepticism regarding the future of NATO.
Canada set to sign defence procurement pact with EU this month, European leaders say
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Canada is expected to sign a defence procurement agreement with the European Union later this month during Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to Brussels for the Canada-EU summit. This pact would enable Canada to negotiate joining the EU's €150-billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) loan program, part of the ReArm Europe initiative. The move aims to deepen Canada's integration into Europe's defence architecture and reduce its reliance on American military equipment, especially amid U.S. President Donald Trump's skepticism regarding the future of NATO.
Trending- 1 March: European Commission unveils ReArm Europe initiative
- 2 March: U.S. President Donald Trump muses about selling 'toned-down' fighter planes to allies
- 3 Sunday (June 15, 2025): G7 summit in Alberta, EU leaders discuss Canada's deepening role in European defence
- 4 Monday (June 16, 2025): Prime Minister Carney confirms attendance at upcoming summit with Costa and von der Leyen
- 5 June 23, 2025: Canada-EU summit in Brussels, where the defence procurement pact is expected to be signed
- Deepened defence cooperation between Canada and the EU
- Potential for Canada to join the EU's SAFE loan program
- Reduced Canadian reliance on American military equipment
- Strengthened European defence architecture
What: Canada is set to sign a defence procurement agreement with the European Union, which could lead to its participation in the EU's SAFE loan program for joint defence projects.
When: Later this month (June 2025), with Prime Minister Carney visiting Brussels on June 23rd; discussions occurred at the G7 summit on Sunday (June 15, 2025); ReArm Europe unveiled in March.
Where: Brussels, Belgium (EU administrative capital); Alberta, Canada (G7 summit location).
Why: Canada seeks to strengthen its defence ties with Europe and diversify its military procurement away from the U.S., particularly due to U.S. President Donald Trump's questioning of NATO's commitment. The EU aims to bolster its defence capabilities and welcomes closer collaboration with key allies.
How: Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend the Canada-EU summit in Brussels to sign the agreement. This agreement will open negotiations for Canada to join the SAFE program, a loan initiative designed to facilitate defence spending among participating nations.