Canada seeks defense ties with Europe: Bloomberg on reasons and prospects
Photo: Canada's PM Mark Carney (Getty Images)
Canada has proposed major defense agreements with Europe and improved access to critical minerals in response to threats from US President Donald Trump and his rejection of Washington's defense commitments, according to Bloomberg.
Canadian Ambassador to Rome, Elissa Goldberg, sent a letter to Italy regarding this matter. This happened onhe same day that newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney traveled to France and Britain for talks with allies during his first foreign trip since taking office on March 14.
According to the letter, which Bloomberg reviewed, Canada seeks closer cooperation in the defense industry with Italy and the European Union as a "matter of urgency." Specifically, the letter requests Rome’s support in ensuring that legislative texts allow third parties to collaborate with the EU’s ReArm defense plan.
A person familiar with the matter stated that a defense partnership between Canada and the EU could be established quickly, enabling Canada to participate in joint procurements with European nations under the aforementioned defense plan.
Additionally, Goldberg's letter outlined plans to "purchase a number of key capabilities through major near-term procurement efforts," including approximately a dozen submarines, additional fighter jets, and battle tanks, "that could potentially be acquired from European suppliers."
"Canadian industry has much more to offer, like drones, satellite communications, robotics, AI, cybersecurity, and better integration of supply chains for Canada’s large reserves of critical minerals needed for advanced defense technologies and renewable energy systems such as nickel, cobalt, and lithium," the letter continues.
Earlier on Monday, the Canadian Prime Minister told reporters in London that Europe's efforts to increase defense spending are of interest to Canada as a potential alternative supplier.
“It creates the potential to create supply chains that mean that Canadian companies are participating in the development of these defense systems,” Carney said.
Bloomberg notes that Canada has already agreed to negotiate a security partnership with the EU. However, the letter states that the country would like to cooperate more closely on security and defense issues, "given the current evolving geopolitical environment."
