Canada joins key EU defence programme as PM Carney pivots away from US

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Kevin DoyleDecember 2, 2025 at 05:08 AM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

In December 2025, Canada became the first non-European nation to join the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) rearmament initiative. The SAFE program is a 150-billion-euro ($170bn) fund designed to bolster European defense capabilities amid concerns about potential Russian aggression and the reliability of US military support. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that this move will provide Canadian defense companies with increased access to the European market and attract European investment. The decision reflects Canada's strategic shift to diversify its military spending and procurement away from the United States, with a focus on strengthening ties with the EU. SAFE aims to accelerate EU defense readiness, enabling the bloc to defend itself from external threats by 2030.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States ×260% Ursula von der Leyen ×270% Mark Carney ×480% Canada ×480% European Union ×590% Security Action for Europe (SAFE) ×390%

Keywords

european union 90% canada 90% security action for europe 90% defence spending 80% military equipment procurement 70% rearmament 70% us 60% defence readiness 60% trade partnerships 50% military protection 50%