Canada and EU sign defence pact amid strained US relations and global instability
GuardianJUN 21
Canada Signs Security and Defense Pact with EU
Above: EC President Ursula von der Leyen (L), Mark Carney (C), and EU Council President Antonio Luis Santos da Costa at the EU-Canada Summit on June 23, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. Image copyright: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Europe narrative
This historic partnership represents Canada's smart diversification away from over-reliance on the United States for defense needs, especially given Trump's unpredictable approach to NATO. By deepening ties with the EU, Canada gains access to advanced technology at a reduced cost while strengthening ties with democratic allies committed to supporting Ukraine and the international rules-based order.
Pro-US narrative
Canada's shift toward Europe risks undermining its longstanding relationship with the U.S., its closest ally. As tensions rise, Canada must prioritize rebuilding ties with Washington. The U.S. remains the world's most powerful military force, and strengthening defense commitments to its North American neighbor is crucial for maintaining security and safeguarding shared interests in an increasingly unpredictable world.
Establishment-critical narrative
This security pact with Europe seems more about advancing Carney's globalist agenda than addressing genuine defense needs. The emphasis on digital governance, including measures against "disinformation," points to a concerning push for surveillance and control. Coupled with a net-zero climate agenda, this partnership appears more focused on ideological alignment than practical security concerns.