While international partnerships can support global stability, our foremost responsibility is to ensure that Canada has the strength and independence to defend its sovereignty. We must continue to prioritize investments in our own Armed Forces, modernize domestic capabilities, and build a resilient defense industry that serves Canadians first.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the conclusion of negotiations for Canada’s participation in the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative—a key pillar of the EU’s Readiness 2030 plan. This agreement unlocks billions of dollars in potential defense opportunities for Canadian businesses and provides preferential access to the European market for Canadian-made technologies and capabilities.
"Canada’s participation in SAFE opens doors for our defense industry” said Sidhu, “but we must never lose sight of our primary goal: building a strong, self-reliant national defense. Partnerships are valuable, yet Canada’s sovereignty depends on ensuring our Armed Forces have the tools and resources they need—made here at home."
SAFE offers up to $244 billion in loans to EU Member States for major defense projects, including ammunition, missiles, drones, artillery, and infantry weapons. Canada’s participation will accelerate NATO targets, attract European investment, and create high-paying jobs for Canadian workers. The new Defence Investment Agency will streamline approvals and boost industrial capacity. With negotiations complete, Canada and the EU aim to ratify the SAFE agreement in the coming weeks.
“In a dangerous and divided world, Canada and Europe are elevating our defence partnerships to rapidly procure new equipment and technology, accelerate NATO targets, and catalyse tremendous opportunities for our defence manufacturers. Canada’s participation in SAFE will fill key capability gaps, expand markets for Canadian suppliers, and attract European defence investment into Canada.” — The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada