On June 23, 2025, Canada and the European Union took a major step forward by signing a Strategic Partnership on Security and Defense, marking the first agreement of its kind between the EU and a country in the Americas (source: reuters.com). This partnership aims to strengthen cooperation in key areas. These include cybersecurity, crisis management, maritime and space security, arms control, and support for Ukraine.
Enhanced cooperation on cybersecurity
At the heart of this agreement is a shared commitment to strengthen cybersecurity in the face of increasingly sophisticated and cross-border digital threats. Key initiatives include:
- Sharing information on cyber threats and incidents;
- Coordinated protection of critical infrastructure, such as energy networks and healthcare systems;
- Promotion of common cybersecurity standards for better interoperability;
- Cooperation on training and skills development in cyber defense.
This partnership builds on the Canada-EU Digital Partnership launched in 2023. The latter aims to harmonize regulatory frameworks and promote common standards in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies (source: ised-isde.canada.ca).
Cooperation beyond technology
Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue: it is at the heart of geopolitical power relations. By moving closer together, Canada and the EU are seeking to increase their influence in international digital governance in the face of authoritarian models promoted by certain states. This rapprochement also sends a clear signal: cyber threats know no borders and only strong alliances can respond effectively.
Geopolitical and economic implications
This strategic partnership comes at a time of growing geopolitical tensions, particularly with Russia and China, and complex transatlantic relations. It reflects a shared commitment to defending a rules-based world order and promoting shared democratic values.
On the economic front, the agreement paves the way for Canada’s increased participation in the European joint armament procurement program SAFE (Security Action for Europe). The program has a budget of €150 billion, allowing Canadian companies to participate in joint defense projects ( source: ft.com).
Challenges and prospects
This partnership opens up several prospects:
- Greater integration of cyber strategies into common defense policies;
- Regulatory harmonization that could inspire other partner countries;
- The potential creation of a transatlantic framework for responding to cyber crises;
- The development of joint response capabilities to major cyber attacks.
In a world where cyber attacks target public institutions, vital infrastructure, and supply chains, this transatlantic cooperation appears to be a strategic step that is set to grow stronger.
A new era of digital trust
The signing of this pact between Canada and the European Union marks a new era in global digital security. By focusing on collaboration, transparency, and regulatory convergence, the two powers are affirming their commitment to defending a more secure and sovereign cyberspace. This is a strong signal at a time when digital stability is more than ever a matter of peace and democracy.
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