Canada turns toward Europe with plans for deeper economic and security partnership

Canada is preparing to begin discussions with the European Union this fall on what Prime Minister Mark Carney has described as a “much stronger and deeper” economic and security partnership. The proposal is not an application for EU membership, nor is it yet a completed treaty with settled terms. Instead, the talks are expected to build upon the New EU–Canada Strategic Partnership of the Future announced in 2025, with an EU–Canada summit reportedly planned for October.

The relationship already rests on several substantial agreements. Most provisions of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement have applied provisionally since 2017, eliminating duties on approximately 98% of tariff lines, although 10 EU member states have not completed ratification. Canada and the EU have also established a Security and Defence Partnership, launched digital-trade negotiations and reached an agreement allowing Canada to participate in the EU’s €150-billion SAFE defence-procurement initiative. The EU was Canada’s second-largest trading partner in goods and services in 2025, with bilateral trade valued at $178.6 billion.

Public statements suggest the next phase could cover critical minerals, energy, defence production, economic security, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, research and professional mobility. Europe is seeking reliable supplies of energy, minerals and defence equipment, while Canada wants new markets that can reduce its dependence on the United States. The practical significance of the partnership will depend on whether the autumn negotiations produce specific procurement commitments, regulatory agreements and infrastructure investments rather than another broad declaration of shared intentions.