Strengthening cooperation with global partners on security and defence

T​aking place in Brussels on 28-29 May, the upcoming Schuman Security and Defence Forum (‘Schuman Forum’) will bring together the EU's closest partners in the field of security and defence to discuss common security challenges and how to address them. The Schuman Forum is an integral part of the EU’s broader engagement strategy aimed at establishing a more coherent and comprehensive network of relationships with international and regional actors, as well as bilateral partners worldwide.

Canada: a long-standing partner

Canada is a key transatlantic partner for the EU, . The EU and Canada have long been strong partners in peace, security, and defence. The latest Joint Statement following the EU-Canada Summit in St. John’s (Nov 2023) welcomed the “increased Canada-EU cooperation on security and defence”. Canada was the first partner with whom the EU established an annual Security and Defence Dialogue. The 8th iteration of this dialogue (March 2024) was marked by a highly constructive and collaborative spirit, with clear mutual interest in further strengthening cooperation in security and defence.

EU-Canada Partnership: an imperative for transatlantic security and defence cooperation

This event serves as a forum for sharing insights into specific regional security challenges with a key EU partner. It provided a platform for assessing primary security and defence challenges, and how to work more closely together to shape and strengthen the EU-Canada security and defence partnership.

European Union, 2024

A pivotal year for security and defence, in Europe and globally

I consider Canada to be the most European of non-European countries. Our relationship is the strongest it’s ever been” – EEAS Managing Director for the Americas Brian Glynn.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has had profound impacts across the continent. The EU, along with its North American partners, decided to unconditionally condemn Russia and support Ukraine in its right to self-defence. Globally, multilateralism is increasingly challenged, disinformation is spreading rapidly, and crises and conflicts emerging locally are becoming global issues. This is why the EU is taking security more seriously, increasingly becoming a security actor by taking more responsibility in the fields of security and defence.

The Strategic Compass is evidence of that renewed impetus for the EU to develop its own strategic vision. The newly developed European Defense Industrial Strategy also contributes to that vision. The EU needs to continue strengthening its industrial base, producing more and better, so that it becomes more resilient, innovative, and competitive. Stronger military capabilities across the EU will be a clear asset to support Ukraine, but also a much-welcomed additional contribution to NATO’s military deterrence.

Europe has a true friend in Canada and a committed ally” Assistant Deputy Minister at the Canadian Department of National Defence, Peter Hammerschmidt

In this context, friends and allies matter. Canada has always been a key partner, and the relationship has only strengthened over time. Canada is now part of EU CSDP operations and has joined two PESCO projects. On Ukraine, there is strong coordination, particularly between the two training operations which will train 60,000 Ukrainian soldiers by the end of this summer. Close cooperation with NATO’s Operation UNIFIER is another outstanding example of close EU-Canada ties.

In a period marked by rising conflict and tension around the globe, where competition is strong and the effects of climate change are creating new risks, all partners need to invest more in defence capabilities. The EU has an important role to play in security and defence on the European continent, and Canada is a key partner in that endeavour, both bilaterally and within NATO.

Canada’s relationship with Europe has broadened to the point of us being closer than ever. We will continue to be with you to defend our shared interests” Assistant Deputy Minister at the Canadian Department of National Defence, Peter Hammerschmidt.

European Union, 2024

EU-NATO complementarity for Euro-Atlantic defence and deterrence

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a wake-up call, reminding Europeans of the critical need to establish credible and enduring deterrence measures. While NATO continues to be the cornerstone of transatlantic collective defence, the EU's bolstered defence ambitions reinforce the alliance's strength. As NATO's largest partner, the EU plays a pivotal role in fortifying the alliance, contributing to a more robust NATO overall.

The EU is NATO’s biggest partner. We need to showcase it more” – Alison Grant, Alison Grant, Director General for International Security at Global Affairs Canada.

Stronger defence industrial base – opportunities for further EU-Canada cooperation?

“The EU defence industrial ecosystem must urgently be converted into a model where security of supply and the capacity to increase military power are integrated: we must be able to produce more, better, together. Cooperation needs to replace fragmentation” – EEAS Managing Director for the Americas Brian Glynn.

In the EU, there's a notable shift in the paradigm of defence readiness. Member States are entrusting the EU with a novel role – one focused on analysing ways to incentivise Member States to conduct joint procurement to achieve better value for spending.

To build a stronger defence industrial base, smart spending is key to avoid duplication and price escalation caused by countries all purchasing the same products. Smart spending also means increasing domestic spending. Presently, the EU allocates 75% of its spending to companies located outside its borders. With Canada also exploring avenues to fortify its defence industry, there's a shared interest between the EU and Canada in fostering closer collaboration within this area.

These and other crucial contemporary security and defence challenges, for the EU and partners, will be further debated at the 2024 Schuman Forum.

European Union, 2024