A stronger partnership between the EU and Canada amid global turmoil

Addressing security threats

To address security threats such as Russia’s war against Ukraine, hybrid attacks, terrorism, foreign interference and China’s assertiveness and economic coercion, MEPs call for greater cooperation with Canada. They highlight the need to fully implement thesecurity and defence partnership, complementing NATO efforts through initiatives such as theSecurity Action for Europe (SAFE) and theReArm Europe/Defence Preparedness 2030 plan.

The EU and Canada should step up their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in particular through the G7 and the Coalition of the Willing, coordinate sanctions and diplomatic efforts to further isolate Russia, and jointly foster relations with the United States. The report also calls for closer coordination to address the challenges posed by China, including in the Western Balkans, greater engagement in the Indo-Pacific, and joint efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Defending multilateralism and promoting trade relations

MEPs stress the importance of defending multilateralism and safeguarding key institutions such as the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, the World Trade Organisation, NATO and the G7 and G20 forums. They call for greater cooperation in the Arctic, express concern about the militarisation of the region and call for joint efforts to safeguard Greenland’s autonomy in the face of growing geopolitical interest.

Finally, the text highlights the need to promote the benefits of CETA and strengthen energy cooperation. MEPs urge the 10 Member States that have not yet ratified CETA to do so quickly before the 10th anniversary of its provisional application in 2027.

The resolution was adopted by 482 votes in favour, 108 against and 42 abstentions.

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RapporteurTobias Cremer(S&D, Germany) said: “Canada is perhaps the most European country outside Europe. And today we can say that it is more European than ever, thanks to our shared strategic interests and the common challenges we face. In a world marked by a war-addicted Russia, an authoritarian China and an increasingly erratic US ally, Europeans and Canadians know that we can only safeguard our interests and security – in the Arctic, in Ukraine, on climate change and in Greenland – by standing together and deepening our cooperation. It is high time that this close strategic alignment translated into a deeper Euro-Canadian alliance.

More information: European Parliament.