BRUSSELS, Belgium - Canada and the European Union have entered a new phase of transatlantic cooperation with the signing of a security and defence partnership at a joint summit in Brussels on June 23, 2025 [2][3].

The agreement, which commits both parties to collaboration on defence matters, marks a significant step towards Canada's potential participation in Europe's extensive defence procurement program, ReArm Europe [2][3].

Prime Minister Mark Carney, who traveled to Brussels for the Canada-EU Summit, met with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen before the deal was finalized [2][3].

"Canada and the EU are looking at the world through the same lens," Costa stated, emphasizing that this meeting has elevated the partnership to a new level [2][3].

Von der Leyen welcomed Carney, stating he was "here among friends" and highlighting the strong democratic ties between Canada and the EU [3].

The partnership comes as Canada seeks to diversify its defence procurement options and reduce its reliance on the United States [2][3].

In a separate meeting on the same day, Prime Minister Carney also met with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever [1]. They discussed expanding bilateral trade and investment, with a focus on advancing clean energy solutions such as nuclear and hydrogen, strengthening critical minerals supply chains, and deepening cooperation on defence procurement [1].

Both leaders affirmed their support for Ukraine's sovereignty and agreed on the importance of achieving a just and lasting peace. They also underscored their commitment to defence cooperation in support of security in Europe, particularly on NATO's eastern flank [1].

The leaders agreed to maintain close contact and anticipate further discussions at the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, Netherlands [1].

This new partnership between Canada and the EU represents a significant development in transatlantic relations, potentially reshaping defence cooperation and procurement strategies in the coming years.