Ottawa: Canada has agreed to join a major European Union defence funding initiative known as the Security Action for Europe program, becoming the first non EU member to take part in the plan aimed at boosting regional and global security. The program involves shared defence investment, joint procurement and cooperation among European nations to strengthen readiness by 2030.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said the move will help improve Canada’s military capabilities while opening new business opportunities for Canadian defence companies. He explained that joining the initiative will help attract European defence investment and give Canadian suppliers access to larger markets.
The decision follows a defence partnership signed between Canada and the EU earlier this year. That agreement covered cooperation in areas such as crisis response, cybersecurity, maritime safety and support for Ukraine.
Canada has also been increasing its national defence spending and is expected to meet the NATO target of spending two percent of its gross domestic product on defence by the end of the year. The government has announced plans to modernize the country’s military, including investments in submarines, aircraft, surveillance systems and advanced technology.
European leaders say Canada’s participation strengthens their efforts to build stronger defence cooperation at a time of rising global tensions. The EU created the funding mechanism to reduce dependency on external military suppliers and to build a more unified European defence structure.
Analysts believe Canada’s participation may influence future discussions on defence cooperation across the Atlantic, especially as more countries look to diversify partnerships and strengthen military capabilities.
The agreement marks a closer alignment between Canada and Europe in defence strategy and security planning, signaling a shift toward broader global cooperation beyond traditional alliances.