Canada and EU Deepen Strategic Ties Following SAFE Agreement

In a continuing effort to bolster economic and geopolitical cooperation, Prime Minister Mark Carney of Canada held a high-level discussion with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The conversation builds on the momentum from the recent EU-Canada Summit and follows Canada’s recent entry into the SAFE (Strategic Access to Funding for Europe) program.

During the meeting, the two leaders emphasized the need to strengthen the Canada-EU relationship in light of shifting global trade dynamics and growing economic uncertainty. They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening strategic collaboration, particularly in areas such as industrial policy, digital trade, clean technologies, and access to critical raw materials.

Key points of discussion included Canada's role in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), as well as new initiatives under the recently launched Canada-EU Security and Defense Partnership. Among these is a shared focus on joint efforts in defense industrial procurement and manufacturing.

Prime Minister Carney and President von der Leyen agreed to maintain close contact as they work to implement commitments made during the recent summit and explore new areas for cooperation.