Canada and the European Union inaugurated on Monday a new era of transatlantic cooperation with the official signing of an security and defense partnership at a spouse in Brussels.
The agreement undertakes them to collaborate more in terms of defense and constitutes a step towards the participation of Canada in the new supply program in the main defense of the continent, called “Rearm Europe”.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, present in Brussels for the Canada-UE summit, is studying new defense supply options, Canada seeking to reduce its dependence on the United States.
Mr. Carney met the president of the European Council, António Costa, and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, at the summit, before the signing of the final agreement.
Mr. Costa stressed that Canada and the EU “look at the world from the same angle” and that this meeting propelled the partnership to a higher level.
Ms. von der Leyen told Mr. Carney that he was “here with friends”. It has argued that Canada and the EU are two strong democracies, united by historical links and united by a “dynamic, fair and open” commercial partnership.
She explained that the EU wanted not only to reaffirm its friendship and its partnership with Canada, but also reshaped them. She said this agreement was most complete ever.
“We know that we can count on you and that you can count on us,” she said.
Carney said that the leaders put into practice some of the points discussed in the G7 and on which they have been working for years. He added that this agreement was crucial for Canada and “opened the way to follow”.
Under the agreement, Canada and the EU will hold an “annual security and defense dialogue” in which senior officials will participate.
The agreement also initiates the two partners to increase their cooperation in support of Ukraine, to improve Canadian military mobility in Europe and to strengthen maritime cooperation in regions of “common interest” as Indo-Pacific.
Canada will have to sign a second agreement with the European Commission before being able to participate in the “Rearm Europe” initiative, with 150 billion euros.
The Security and Defense Agreement also provides for increased collaboration on emerging questions about cybersecurity, foreign interference, disinformation and space policy.
Mark Carney also met Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever, before the Canada-Ue summit.
Mr. de Wever argued that Canada’s partnership with the EU is now vital, because “we have woken up in a world that no longer seems as friendly”.
A government official informing journalists of the trip said that this partnership should facilitate purchases and make them more affordable, while allowing Canada to diversify its sources of equipment supply.
Carney will go to the Hague Tuesday for the NATO summit, where member countries will decide if they fully approve a substantial increase in the defense expenditure target, from 2 % to 5 % of GDP.
The Prime Minister had reported earlier this month that Canada would increase its defense spending this year to reach the target of 2 % for the first time since its creation in 2014.
