Canadian ambassador to the EU Jonathan Wilkinson addresses concerns surrounding what Canada will need to give up in exchange for closer ties to Europe. <\/p>\n
MONTREAL \u2014 Canada and the European Union are laying out concrete steps to strengthen ties around digital security, critical resources and a would-be fleet of Canadian water bombers, according to a draft joint statement ahead of a major summit at month\u2019s end.<\/p>\n
The document, seen by The Canadian Press, states that Ottawa and Brussels aim to let Canadian companies bid on cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure contracts typically reserved for European companies in another push away from dependence on the United States.<\/p>\n
Dubbed an \u201calliance for the future,\u201d the renewed partnership also launches plans for Canada to join in Europe\u2019s Galileo satellite navigation system and wraps up a deal to facilitate European investment in Canadian critical minerals, according to the leaked statement.<\/p>\n
It further announces the joint purchase of 50 Canadian-made De Havilland water bombers it claims will be ready for use in fighting wildfires in 2030.<\/p>\n
More broadly, the statement showcases the ongoing effort to shore up links in areas ranging from trade to education and the military, as Canada and the European Union try to guard against a less reliable America and take up the flag of \u201cthe rules-based international order.\u201d <\/p>\n
The challenge lies in fending off backlash from the White House and continuing to bolster cross-Atlantic bonds beyond the next election cycle, said Patrick Leblond, an associate professor of public and international affairs at the University of Ottawa.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Americans, they\u2019re playing a power game. For them, if Canada and other countries band together in a way to reduce their dependence on the U.S., the current U.S. administration \u2014 and potentially others in the future \u2014 will try to prevent that from happening,\u201d Leblond said.<\/p>\n
\u201cDivide and conquer, that\u2019s the power approach.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/QOGUPCFC2JOJCHABYAD5OM5VYQ.jpg\")
Prime Minister Mark Carney is greeted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as he arrives to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS\/Justin Tang Prime Minister Mark Carney is greeted by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as he arrives to address the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS\/Justin Tang <\/p>\n
The draft statement, dated Sept. 22, pledges to \u201cstrengthen digital sovereignty\u201d and align emerging regulatory frameworks \u201cthrough associated country status for Canada\u201d under the European Commission\u2019s proposed Cloud and AI Development Act.<\/p>\n
That means Canada would be treated as a member country when it comes to bidding on contracts for critical digital infrastructure.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether it\u2019s Google, Amazon, Microsoft, we\u2019re very dependent on these platforms. And as we know, it could be weaponized against our economy, against our governments,\u201d said Leblond.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe message here is, let\u2019s work together. We trust each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
The provision comes after European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen proposed last month that Canada become the first associate member of the European Union.<\/p>\n
Where possible, European contractors are already inclined to work with Canadian firms over American ones because of the export controls the United States tends to impose on sales to a third-country market, said Wendy Gilmour, vice-chair of the Conference of Defence Associations Institute.<\/p>\n
However, persuading U.S.-oriented tech firms in Canada to cast their eyes toward Europe could pose a hurdle.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s been a slow take-up by Canadian business because Canadian business has just been so used to working with the American market,\u201d Gilmour said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s easy. It\u2019s English speaking. It\u2019s just a simpler prospect than to work in a European regulatory environment with 27 different countries.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Canada-EU summit, set for Oct. 29 and 30 in Montreal, will see Prime Minister Mark Carney host von der Leyen, European Council president Ant\u00f3nio Costa and other EU leaders.<\/p>\n
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2026.<\/p>\n
Christopher Reynolds, The Canadian Press<\/p>\n
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