On Wednesday, MEPs adopted a report advocating for enhanced cooperation between the European Union and Canada to address security challenges and bolster trade amid escalating geopolitical tensions. MEPs underscored the need to advance the strategic partnership with Canada, emphasising alignment of shared interests and values in the current international climate.
“Canada is perhaps the most European country outside Europe. And today, we can say it is more European than ever, because of our shared strategic interests and the common challenges we face. In a world shaped by a war-addicted Russia, an assertive China, and an increasingly erratic American ally, Europeans and Canadians know: we can only safeguard our interests and our security – in the Arctic, in Ukraine, when it comes to climate change and Greenland – by standing together and deepening our cooperation. It is high time for this close strategic alignment to be translated into a deeper Euro-Canadian alliance,” said rapporteur Tobias Cremer (S&D, Germany).
To effectively counter security threats, including Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, hybrid warfare, terrorism, foreign interference, and China’s assertiveness, MEPs called for a strengthened collaboration with Canada. They highlighted the importance of fully implementing the security and defence partnership, which complements NATO’s efforts through initiatives such as Security Action for Europe (SAFE) and the ReArm Europe plan, also known as Defence Readiness 2030.
Furthermore, the report encourages the EU and Canada to further support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, particularly through G7 initiatives and the Coalition of the Willing. It recommends coordinated sanctions and diplomatic measures to isolate Russia further while fostering stronger relations with the United States.
MEPs also identified the need for closer coordination to address challenges posed by China, particularly in the Western Balkans, and advocated increased engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. They acknowledged the importance of joint efforts toward achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. They stressed the need to defend multilateralism while safeguarding key institutions, including the United Nations, the International Criminal Court, the World Trade Organisation, NATO, and the G7 and G20 forums.
The report further emphasises the importance of deeper collaboration in Arctic affairs, expresses concern about the militarisation of the region, and advocates joint efforts to protect Greenland’s autonomy amid rising geopolitical interests.
Additionally, MEPs stressed the importance of promoting the benefits of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and enhancing energy cooperation. They called upon the ten member states that have yet to ratify CETA to do so expeditiously, ahead of its 10th anniversary of provisional application in 2027.
The resolution was adopted with 482 votes in favour, 108 against, and 42 abstentions.
