In a move hailed as a historic milestone in transatlantic cooperation, the European Union and Canada have unveiled an ambitious new agenda for collaboration, deepening ties across security, economy, technology, and climate, as the world faces mounting geopolitical instability.
During a high-level summit in Brussels on Monday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa hosted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for a two-hour meeting aimed at charting a renewed course for the EU-Canada relationship. The summit precedes Tuesday’s NATO gathering in The Hague and comes at a time of intensifying global uncertainty, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, Middle East unrest, and increasing unease with the current U.S. administration.
Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, European Council President Antonio Costa representing the EU and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen representing the EU talk during the 20th EU-Canada summit in Brussels, Belgium, June 23, 2025. Olivier Matthys/Pool via REUTERS
EU officials emphasized that the summit was “not business as usual” but rather the beginning of a new era. “Today marks a historic milestone,” read the joint statement. “Our strong partnership is deeply rooted in trust, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and open, rules-based markets.”
A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
At the center of the summit was the signing of the EU-Canada Security and Defense Partnership, the first of its kind between the EU and a country from the Americas. This agreement will strengthen cooperation in crisis management, cyber defense, maritime and space security, arms control, and ongoing support for Ukraine.
Under the new agenda, the EU and Canada have committed to:
- Increasing trade flows and promoting economic security
- Fostering competitiveness and resilience through cooperation in strategic value chains
- Deepening regulatory alignment in digital markets and AI
- Shaping the digital transition, including negotiations on a digital agreement to govern data, e-signatures, spam controls, and AI trustworthiness
- Facilitating educational and innovation exchanges, particularly in future technologies
- Fighting climate change and promoting a just transition to climate neutrality
- Enhancing coordinated crisis management
Canadian companies are also set to gain access to the EU’s €150 billion ($172 billion) joint defense procurement initiative, SAFE, further solidifying economic interdependence.
United on Global Challenges
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa join hands with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, as they welcome him for an EU-Canada summit in Brussels, Belgium June 23, 2025. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
In a joint communiqué, both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to the rules-based international order, with the United Nations Charter at its core. Amid an increasingly fractured global landscape, the agreement reasserts both Canada and the EU’s intent to stand together on matters of peace, sustainability, and democratic governance.
The leaders emphasized their continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, pledging to maintain political, humanitarian, and military aid “for as long as it takes.” They committed to increasing pressure on Russia through expanded sanctions, legal accountability for war crimes, and immobilizing Russian sovereign assets until full reparations are made.
They also voiced strong support for Moldova’s sovereignty, and backed broader efforts to counter Russian hybrid threats in Eastern Europe.
Climate, Trade, and Rights
Both parties reiterated their commitment to sustainable development, fair and open trade, and resilient supply chains, especially under WTO frameworks. They also pledged stronger actions to uphold gender equality, LGBTI rights, and universal human rights globally.
Middle East and Iran
On the escalating crisis in the Middle East, Canada and the EU called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and increased humanitarian aid access. They reaffirmed support for a two-state solution and condemned the expansion of Israeli settlements and settler violence in the West Bank.
SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB People stand next to the bodies of Palestinians killed on Sunday by Israeli fire while seeking aid in northern Gaza, according to Gaza’s health ministry, at Al-Shifa Hospital, in Gaza City, June 23, 2025. REUTERS/Dawoud Abu Alkas TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Regarding Iran, both sides expressed “deep concern” over its recent missile exchange with Israel. They reaffirmed that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons, and stressed the importance of a negotiated, verifiable deal involving the International Atomic Energy Agency. The EU and Canada also vowed to counter Iran’s destabilizing actions, including its support for Russia’s war in Ukraine and systematic human rights abuses.
“With today’s agreement, we lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient, and forward-looking transatlantic partnership,” the joint statement concluded. “This is just the beginning.”
