The partnership will see industry in Canada and the EU work more closely together.

Canada and the EU have signed a ‘Security and Defence Partnership’ which will see improved defence collaboration between both regions.

The partnership will look to increase cooperation on defence procurement by bringing Canada closer to Europe’s ReArm Europe and Readiness 2030 defence plans, according to the European Council on 23 June.

As part of this, the EU is exploring the possibility of Canada joining the Security Action for Europe defence fund, a EUR150 billion initiative announced under the EU’s ReArm plan. The UK is also looking to participate in this fund under its new partnership with the EU, although, details regarding its involvement still need to be agreed.

Additionally, Canada and the EU will explore the possibility of establishing an administrative agreement with the European Defence Agency.

The EU and Canada will take part in regular dialogues on defence and look at the potential for joint initiatives, according to a separate document detailing the partnership’s finer points.

For example, Canada may play a bigger role in the EU’s Permanent Structure Cooperation (PESCO) projects. Similarly, Canada’s involvement in the PESCO military mobility project will be expanded to improve Canadian mobility across the EU.

“The EU and Canada will jointly endeavour to improve the interoperability and movement of Canadian and European military equipment, personnel, and supplies within Canada and the EU”, the document detailed.

Both parties will also increase bilateral dialogues on areas such as maritime security, cybersecurity, and hybrid threats, as well as look to “secure and protect our democratic institutions by preventing and countering foreign information manipulation and interference”, according to a joint statement from the two parties.

“Our aim will be to help deliver on our capability targets, including through our defence industries, more quickly and economically and with enhanced interoperability in ways that deliver mutual benefit and reinforce the European contribution to NATO”.

The partnership will improve security and stability on “both sides of the Atlantic” by increasing cooperation on defence and other areas, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney commented in a separate press release.

DSEI Gateway News is part of DSEI UK and the broader Clarion Defence portfolio. 
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