EU and Canada are preparing a broad partnership, with investments in energy, defense, technology, and support for Ukraine

The European Union and Canada are set to announce a broad partnership at the summit scheduled for October 29 in Montreal, amid a geopolitical and trade context marked by the war in Ukraine and the tariff tensions triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to a draft joint statement seen by POLITICO, cooperation will cover digital trade, energy, critical minerals, technology, defense, the Arctic region, and support for Ukraine. The two sides want to strengthen their economic relations and diversify their supply chains.

The EU and Canada intend to accelerate investment in critical-minerals projects, align their strategies and standards, and explore the creation of joint reserves to reduce the effects of market fluctuations and geopolitical risks. Energy cooperation will include low-carbon sources, from liquefied natural gas and hydropower to solar, wind, and nuclear energy.

One major project concerns the joint acquisition of 50 De Havilland water bombers for fighting wildfires. The aircraft are expected to be available in Canada and Europe starting in 2030. The partnership will also include artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, and batteries.