European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, left, attend a United Kingdom and European Union summit at Lancaster House in London on Monday, May 19, 2025. AP Photo
Canada is preparing to sign a major defence deal with the European Union (EU). It is expected to happen during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s upcoming visit to Brussels on June 23. The move marks a significant step in deepening Canada's role in European security as questions swirl over the future of NATO.
A Strategic Summit in Brussels
Carney’s attendance at the Canada-EU summit was confirmed after brief talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. The summit is expected to be a turning point in defence cooperation between Canada and Europe.
Both EU leaders praised Canada's growing involvement in European security efforts during the recent G7 summit in Alberta. Costa noted that the Brussels summit would be "a moment to strengthen Canada's role in Europe’s rapidly evolving defence architecture."
Canada to Enter the SAFE (EU) Defence Initiative
One of the key developments will be Canada’s entry into a 150-billion-euro European defence program called Security Action for Europe (SAFE). The initiative is part of ReArm Europe, a five-year plan to boost military spending among EU nations and trusted allies.
Von der Leyen described Canada as a “key partner in our transatlantic alliance” and confirmed that the upcoming deal would open the door to Canada's formal participation in SAFE. The program allows member states and close allies to take on additional debt for defence spending without breaching EU deficit rules.
A Shift Away from U.S. Reliance
This deepening defence bond between Canada and the EU comes amid increasing uncertainty surrounding NATO. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly questioned America’s commitment to defend NATO allies, a stance that has alarmed military analysts across the globe.
In response, Canada has been exploring ways to reduce its reliance on U.S. military equipment. In March, Trump suggested selling “toned-down” versions of fighter jets to allied nations. This fueled further concerns in Ottawa about overdependence on Washington.
The SAFE program offers Canada an alternative pathway. It grants access to advanced European defence projects without relying solely on American gear or technology.
Strengthening Defence and Trade Ties
Carney’s office confirmed that next week’s summit will also focus on expanding Canada-EU free trade and defending rules-based international commerce. However, the spotlight remains firmly on security.
The looming partnership will not only bolster Canada's national defence strategy but also align the country more closely with European allies. As global threats rise and the NATO alliance shows signs of strain, hopes are this deal will ease future.
With formal negotiations about to begin, the defence deal signals a clear shift in Canada’s international strategy—one that places growing trust in Europe as a military partner.
