Canada has officially joined the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, marking a significant step in deepening defence cooperation between Ottawa and Brussels.
The announcement was made by Canada’s Defence Minister, David McGuinty, following a recent visit to Europe where he met with allied leaders. In a Feb. 15 news release, McGuinty emphasized that Canada’s participation in SAFE reflects a shared commitment to strengthening security across the Euro-Atlantic region.
“The agreement strengthens our collective security, supports the development of key defence capabilities, and gives Canadian industry access to European defence markets while contributing to European and Ukrainian security,” McGuinty said.
Canada’s entry into SAFE follows the strategic defence and security partnership agreement signed roughly a year ago between Prime Minister Mark Carney and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In a joint statement released in December, both leaders described Canada’s participation in SAFE as symbolic of shared priorities and growing cooperation between the two sides.
SAFE, adopted by the Council of the European Union in May 2025, provides up to €150 billion in long-term loans to EU member states. The funding is intended to support urgent and large-scale defence procurement efforts amid heightened geopolitical tensions and ongoing security challenges in Europe.
Beyond security considerations, Canadian officials are highlighting the economic opportunities tied to the agreement. According to McGuinty, Canadian defence companies will now be eligible to participate in SAFE-funded contracts with up to 80 percent Canadian content. The move is expected to integrate Canadian components more deeply into European defence supply chains.
Ottawa has described the agreement as a meaningful advancement in defence collaboration with the EU, enabling Canada to contribute to critical capability development while supporting European and Ukrainian security.
To join SAFE, Canada will make a one-time contribution of €10 million. According to officials, this amount includes €2.5 million as an administrative contribution and €7.5 million as an upfront annual participation fee. The financial contribution is calculated proportionately, based on the anticipated value of contracts domestic industries could secure.
By comparison, the United Kingdom has reportedly been asked to contribute between €4 billion and €6.5 billion to participate in the program.
EU spokesperson Thomas Regnier said in December that Canada’s contribution could be reassessed in the future, noting that the same methodology applies to all non-EU countries seeking to join SAFE.
In January, the Council of the European Union announced the first group of member states approved to receive SAFE loans. These include Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Portugal, Romania, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Finland.
Canadian officials say the country’s participation in the program reinforces unity among democratic allies and underscores Ottawa’s commitment to a more resilient and secure Euro-Atlantic region.
As defence collaboration enhance amid shifting global security dynamics, Canada’s entry into SAFE signals a deepening transatlantic partnership with long-term strategic and industrial implications.
