EU and Canada to announce sweeping new partnership pact

The European Union and Canada are set to unveil a comprehensive new partnership during a landmark summit next month, according to a draft joint statement obtained by POLITICO. The alliance is expected to address a range of global challenges, including digital trade barriers, investment in Ukraine, and collaboration in fighting wildfires.

According to the draft, the EU and Canada recognize the rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape and the need to tackle issues spanning trade, energy, technology, climate, and resources. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed inviting Canada to join the EU as an associate member, a move that prompted a threat from U.S. President Donald Trump to impose tariffs.

The summit, scheduled for October 29 in Montreal, will see the two nations pledge to expedite investment in critical mineral projects, strengthen supply chains, and enhance supply security. This includes stockpiling essential resources to mitigate market fluctuations and geopolitical impacts. The EU and Canada also intend to align their strategies and standards, connect industries, and focus on sectors with the greatest returns for their citizens.

Key areas of cooperation will include the development of low-carbon, reliable energy sources, such as liquified natural gas, hydro, solar, wind, and nuclear. Additionally, the partnership will involve the joint purchase of 50 De Havilland water bombers, with delivery slated for 2030, to assist in wildfire prevention efforts in Canada and Europe.

The collaboration extends to establishing a technology alliance, integrating defense industrial bases, and prioritizing joint projects in the Arctic region, energy, critical minerals, batteries, AI, quantum computing, cyber security, and economic security.