Brussels, Belgium – At the conclusion of the EU-Canada Summit in Brussels, Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen released an ambitious Joint Statement, charting a path forward for one of the world’s most enduring transatlantic partnerships. Framed as a renewed commitment to “trust, values, and shared responsibility,” the document outlines an expansive policy agenda touching nearly every major global challenge — from defending Ukraine to building carbon-neutral economies, and from AI cooperation to gender equity in peacekeeping.
The document, titled “Enduring Partnership, Ambitious Agenda”, also formalizes a new EU-Canada Security and Defence Partnership, and sets in motion a plan for deeper collaboration on economic security, energy resilience, and advanced technologies such as quantum computing and AI.
Defence and Global Security
The newly announced Security and Defence Partnership between the EU and Canada provides a formal framework for enhanced military cooperation, including Canada’s participation in EU missions and projects under PESCO (Permanent Structured Cooperation). The partnership will also see Canada appoint a permanent defence representative to the EU and explore joint capability development through initiatives like ReArm Europe and Readiness 2030.
In addition, the statement commits both parties to supporting Ukraine for “as long as it takes,” calling for a ceasefire, backing reconstruction efforts, and reaffirming support for a Special Tribunal on Russian aggression.
Digital Transformation and AI Alignment
Under the Canada-EU Digital Partnership, both parties will move toward the mutual recognition of AI and cybersecurity certification frameworks and increase collaboration on emerging technologies such as supercomputers, semiconductors, and digital identity systems. The first EU-Canada Digital Partnership Council is expected to be hosted by Canada later this year.
Climate and Environmental Action
The joint agenda builds upon the EU-Canada Green Alliance, with an emphasis on decarbonization, sustainable transport, carbon pricing, and biodiversity protection. Canada’s Global Carbon Pricing Challenge and the Global Methane Pledge were both reaffirmed as key mechanisms for collective action.
At COP30, both sides plan to promote industrial decarbonization and carbon removal technologies, while supporting implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
Trade and Economic Resilience
The summit reaffirmed commitment to the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), noting that bilateral trade has grown by over 65% since its provisional application. The roadmap calls for launching negotiations toward a Digital Trade Agreement, fostering SME cooperation, and expanding supply chain resilience in sectors such as critical minerals, cleantech, and aerospace.
A Canadian strategic nickel project under the new EU Critical Raw Materials Act was highlighted as a key step forward.
Global Crises and Multilateral Engagement
From Gaza to Haiti, and Syria to the Arctic, the joint statement commits to increased coordination on conflict resolution, humanitarian aid, and support for international institutions such as the International Criminal Court. The partners also pledged deeper collaboration across the Middle East, Indo-Pacific, and Latin America, with emphasis on peacebuilding and supporting vulnerable populations.
Canada and the EU also pledged to strengthen cooperation in disaster response, including health emergencies and wildfires, referencing the recent EU purchase of 22 Canadian-built DHC-515 water bombers.
Education, Science and People-to-People Ties
Canada’s association with Horizon Europe and continued participation in EU-funded programs like Erasmus+ and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions were reaffirmed. The roadmap includes measures to boost researcher mobility, establish joint AI research centres (“AI Factories”), and protect academic freedom.
Next Steps
To ensure follow-through, senior officials from both sides will meet regularly to monitor implementation and prepare for the next EU-Canada Summit. The joint agenda represents a long-term vision to deepen the strategic bond between Canada and the European Union — one that spans defence, climate, tech, trade, and shared democratic values.
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