Canada agrees to join EU initiative to surge defence spending
Canada has formally agreed to take part in the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, a multibillion-euro defence programme aimed at rapidly strengthening Europe’s military readiness by 2030. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office announced Monday.
The move will allow Canadian defence manufacturers wider entry into the European market, while also opening the door for increased European investment in Canada’s defence sector. SAFE, valued at 150 billion euros, was unveiled earlier this year as Europe accelerates rearmament amid ongoing security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and growing questions over the long-term reliability of US security guarantees.
Carney said Canada’s involvement would help “fill critical capability gaps,” support joint procurement efforts, and bolster the continent’s collective defence industrial base. He added that the agreement is expected to create new opportunities for Canadian firms in areas such as advanced munitions, aerospace technology, cyber defence, and military innovation.
EU officials have welcomed Canada’s participation, noting that stronger cooperation with NATO allies outside Europe is essential as the bloc moves to scale up production of weapons, expand supply chains, and modernise defence infrastructure. The SAFE initiative also aims to encourage cross-border defence partnerships, fast-track procurement procedures, and reduce dependence on non-European suppliers for key military equipment.
Canada has already increased its own defence spending commitments, including investments in NORAD modernization and procurement of next-generation fighter jets, but remains under pressure from NATO to meet the alliance’s 2% of GDP spending target.
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