Canada to join major European rearmament deal as early as June 23: sources
Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to join a significant European defense initiative in Belgium later this month, as reported by CBC News. This move aims to strengthen the continent’s military capabilities and provide additional support to Ukraine. Carney expressed his intentions to sign onto the new defense plan by Canada Day, signaling a shift away from relying solely on the United States for weapons and munitions.
Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Carney is expected to formalize Canada’s participation in the rearmament deal during his meeting with European leaders in Brussels on June 23 at the EU-Canada summit. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of this summit, stating that Canada will approach it with a plan to lead and make new investments to enhance its strength in alignment with its values.
Carney has been engaged in discussions with European countries for several months to foster closer defense cooperation. The objective is to bolster Canada’s defense capabilities and diversify its military suppliers beyond the U.S., particularly in light of the trade tensions initiated by President Donald Trump. Carney highlighted the need to reduce Canada’s reliance on the U.S. for defense procurement, advocating for diversified partnerships and increased domestic spending on defense.
The European Union’s President, Ursula von der Leyen, proposed the ReArm Europe plan in March, which has since been renamed Readiness 2030. This initiative involves a substantial increase in European defense spending, including a 150-billion euro loan program to fund military technology and weapons. While the specific contribution from Canada remains undisclosed, Carney announced over $9 billion in new military spending for the current fiscal year and emphasized the necessity for further defense investment in the future.
Upon Canada’s participation in the European defense deal, the government will need to determine the projects it wishes to pursue and the countries it will collaborate with. Potential initiatives include air and missile defense, drones, anti-drone systems, artificial intelligence, and electronic warfare. Dave Perry, President of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, emphasized the importance of joining the alliance and selecting projects in collaboration with other member states.
In addition to joining the European defense initiative, Carney is expected to announce increased support for Ukraine ahead of the EU-Canada summit. The supplementary estimates for this year include a $2 billion allocation for military aid to Ukraine and the expansion of defense partnerships. The specifics of how this funding will be allocated towards Ukraine are anticipated to be revealed at the upcoming G7 meeting in Kananaskis, Alta., where Carney will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine persists, Ukraine continues to face escalating challenges in the conflict-ridden Donbas region. Perry emphasized the urgent need for armoured vehicles, artillery systems, ground-based air defense systems, munitions, and critical infrastructure repair to support Ukraine’s defense efforts and government stability.
The integration of Canada into the European defense initiative signifies a strategic shift in Canada’s defense procurement and international partnerships, reflecting the country’s commitment to strengthening its military capabilities and supporting allies in the face of global threats.
