Canada has completed negotiations to participate in the “Security Assistance for Europe” (SAFE) program and will become the first non-European country to take part in this defense initiative.
This was stated in a joint declaration by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
“We welcome the conclusion of the negotiations on an Agreement for the participation of Canadian SAFE. The EU’s €150 billion defence investment instrument will ramp up Europe’s defence industrial base with joint procurement, in which all participating countries will benefit. In these geopolitically turbulent times, it is a means to increase cooperation, meet defence targets and spend better, as we address short-term urgency and long-term needs,” the statement said.
It notes that the completion of SAFE negotiations “is based on our commitment to joint defense cooperation,” as outlined in the Security and Defense Partnership signed at the successful Canada–EU summit earlier this year.
“And today we take this commitment a step further – as partners, allies and friends. This is the next step in our deepening cooperation and symbolic of the shared priorities of the European Union and Canada. Together, we will create resilient defence supply chains between our industries at a crucial time for global security,” the statement added.
The parties emphasized that this cooperation will strengthen the relevant industrial bases, create more jobs, boost economic growth, and enhance capabilities, which are critical for defense readiness.
“Finally, SAFE will also provide vital support to Ukraine and increase the resiliency of the Ukrainian defence industry. We have stood by Ukraine since the start of Russia’s brutal war of aggression and we continue to stand by its side, as we work towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine,” the Canadian Prime Minister and the European Commission President concluded.
