On 23 June 2025, the European Union and Canada signed a Security and Defence Partnership on the margins of the EU–Canada Summit. Signed by High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) Kaja Kallas, and Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand and and Minister of National Defence David J. McGuinty , the agreement marks a new chapter in the strategic relationship between the EU and Canada.

The Security and Defence Partnership responds to the rapidly evolving global security environment and builds on decades of close cooperation. It establishes a comprehensive framework to deepen collaboration across the full spectrum of security and defence.

"Canada is one of the EU’s closest partners – and a trusted friend. I am proud to sign a new Security and Defence Partnership with Canada. At a time of rising tensions, it will deepen our defence ties and unlock new cooperation." said HR/VP Kaja Kallas.
 

A broad and forward-looking framework

The EU–Canada Security and Defence Partnership comes at a time of heightened geopolitical instability, including Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. It reflects the growing need for close international partners to act in concert -addressing both traditional security challenges and new strategic domains such as cyber, space, hybrid threats and emerging disruptive technologies.

The Partnership reaffirms both sides’ commitment to effective multilateralism and to strengthening global security cooperation grounded in international law and the UN Charter.
 

Key areas of cooperation

The Security and Defence Partnership expands cooperation in a wide range of areas:

• Support to Ukraine
• International peacekeeping and crisis management, including CSDP missions and operations
• Military mobility and interoperability
• Maritime security
• Cyber issues and emerging disruptive technologies
• Space security
• Countering hybrid threats and building societal resilience
• Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI)
• Counterterrorism and preventing/countering violent extremism
• EU and Canada defence initiatives, including exchange of information on defence industrial related matters Capacity building and training in third countries
• Peace mediation and conflict prevention
• Arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation
• Climate change and security nexus
• External aspects of economic and human security
• Women, Peace and Security
   

Building on long-standing cooperation

Canada has been a long-standing and valued contributor to EU-led security and defence efforts. It was the first partner country with which the EU established a dedicated Security and Defence Dialogue, held annually since 2015. Canada participates in EU CSDP missions and operations, and has contributed significantly to Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) projects on Military Mobility and logistic support.

The Partnership acknowledges this close cooperation and provides a structured framework to build on it further.
 

A structured path forward

The new Partnership will be implemented through the dedicated annual EU–Canada Security and Defence Dialogue, supported by thematic exchanges and consultations on shared threats, such as Counter-Terrorism or cyber threats as well as regional issues. The Partnership will be reviewed regularly to assess progress, steer cooperation, and adapt to evolving global challenges.

For more information please see https://europa.eu/!hnkY69