Monday June 23, 2025 | BRUSSELS, BELGIUM [Reporting from VICTORIA, BC] = Posted at 2 pm PT
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
When in Brussels, Belgium today for a EU-Canada summit, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced what the federal government is calling an historic step forward for Canada’s relationship with the European Union (EU).
Together with EU Council President António Costa and EU Commission President von der Leyen, Carney announced that together the three will” forge a new, ambitious, and comprehensive partnership”.
“We see the world through a similar lens,” said President Costa in his opening remarks. “The rules-based international order is under pressure,” he said.
President von der Leyen talked about challenging joint investment in Security Action for Europe (SAFE), including for Ukraine. She hinted that a future meeting might be held in the Arctic in Canada.
Carney’s remarks:
Carney talked about what can be achieved when you “stay true to your value and stay focused”. He says countries can yearn for the old ways, or build a new era of cooperation. “Defense, digital, supply chains and security” are four key interests listed by Carney. Stronger and more strategic supply chains and stronger economies will be possible through cooperation, he outlined.
Carney mentioned a desroe to “secure our sovereignty” as a key point of Canada’s participation in the “increased cooperation in the full spectrum of security”. Building industries and securing jurisdictions will be boosted by shared expertise.
Climate change was mentioned several times in his remarks, something that did not happen at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Canada last week.
“It begins here,” said Carney at a joint press conference in Belgium, regarding stronger trade relationships. “Industrial policy amongst allies… is the future of trade, not a narrow discussion on tariffs,” said Carney today.
New strategic partnership:
The New EU-Canada Strategic Partnership of the Future is rooted in shared values and the rules-based international system, and strategically aimed to pursue common interests, as stated in a June 23, 2025 news release.
“In an increasingly dangerous and divided world, Canada’s new government is focused on strengthening and diversifying our international partnerships. We will work with the EU and other allies to build a new international, rules-based system for a more secure and prosperous world,” it is stated in today’s news release.
Three key areas for negotiation:
Canada and the EU will soon launch comprehensive negotiations across multiple areas to strengthen co-operation and connection – including trade and economic security, the digital transition, and the fight against climate change and environmental degradation.
“This will create more economic opportunities and long-term prosperity for workers, businesses, and citizens in both Canada and the EU,” said Carney in today’s PMO news release.
Security and defence partnership:
Canada and the EU today signed the Security and Defence Partnership, which provides a framework for dialogue and co-operation in security and defence priorities. For Canada and the EU Member States who are NATO Allies, this will also help deliver on capability targets more quickly and economically.
This new partnership is the intentional first step toward Canada’s participation in Security Action for Europe (SAFE), an instrument of the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030.
Unveiled earlier this year, the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030 is the European Commission’s plan to boost defence funding in Europe, including through Security Action for Europe (SAFE) loans. This initiative provides up to €150 billion in loans to EU Member States, members of the EU single market, and Ukraine to support defence investments, with a focus on joint procurement projects.
“Canada’s participation in this initiative will create significant defence procurement and industrial opportunities for Canada,” the prime minister’s office claims.
Tribute to WWI & WWII soldiers:
While in Belgium, Prime Minister Carney also met with the Prime Minister of Belgium, Bart De Wever, to strengthen bilateral ties and advance common priorities.
Belgium is a country with coastline that faces Britain but on the European mainland is nestled alongside France, Germany and the Netherlands.
The two leaders visited the Antwerp Schoonselhof Military Cemetery to pay tribute to Canadian Armed Forces members who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars.
Carney was accompanied by his wife Diana Carney. The prime minister’s post on Instagram today: “Diana and I visited the Antwerp Schoonselhof Military Cemetery in Belgium to pay our respects to the 348 Canadians laid to rest here. Brave young soldiers who ventured across the Atlantic to defend the freedom of Europe.”
===== RELATED:
- Being consistent with NATO Allies, says Anand (June 24, 2025)
- Carney’s G7 wrap-up highlights partnerships & collaboration among nations (June 18, 2025)
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