At the European Union – Canada Summit held today in Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Antonio Costa, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discussed the current situation in the Middle East.
“Iran’s stated aim to eliminate Israel is alarming. Iran’s support of terrorism, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, constitutes a violation of international law, which we addressed today,” stated Prime Minister Carney.
“We must uphold international law in both Ukraine and the Middle East. It underpins state relations and must be honored. The nuclear weapons treaty must be respected, and we need to ensure Iran does not advance its nuclear capabilities. We must pursue peace, prevent further escalation, and foster dialogue and negotiation as the only route to peace in the Middle East,” remarked President Costa.
“We are deeply concerned about the escalating tensions following the Israeli actions in Iran and Iran’s subsequent reactions. We reaffirm our strong commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East, including Israel’s security, and urge all parties to exercise restraint and adhere to international norms. It is imperative that Iran never develops nuclear weapons. A diplomatic resolution is the best path forward regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The EU and Canada are prepared to assist in negotiations to establish meaningful restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program, in conjunction with the International Atomic Energy Agency responsible for monitoring the agreement,” added President von der Leyen.
EU-Canada Security and Defense Pact
The two parties signed a significant Pact for Security and Defense, aimed at collaboration in crucial areas such as crisis management and cybersecurity, alongside joint defense initiatives. This aligns with the overarching EU strategy to bolster European strategic autonomy within the 150 billion euro SAFE defense procurement program.
“This agreement signifies our shared dedication to peace, transatlantic security, and enhanced cooperation in defense capabilities. It creates new opportunities for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. While NATO remains central to our collective defense, this partnership will enable us to improve our readiness more effectively and efficiently,” explained Mr. Costa. “Our objective is to achieve our capability goals through our defense industries more quickly and cost-effectively, benefiting both sides while strengthening European contributions to NATO,” added the Commission President.
Trade and Tariffs
During the press conference, both leaders were asked about American tariffs and the ongoing negotiations. “Negotiations are currently on hold. However, everything remains subject to discussion when appropriate. Nonetheless, I want to be clear about our non-negotiable stance on the sovereignty of the EU’s decision-making process,” stated President von der Leyen.
“We will act in the best interests of Canada. We are striving for an agreement, but we will only accept the right agreement with the United States. While achieving the right agreement is possible, it is not guaranteed. Regardless of the outcome, we will strengthen trade relations with like-minded and reliable partners who share our values,” remarked Prime Minister Carney.
Additionally, President Costa highlighted the advantages of the EU-Canada trade partnership, noting that “since the Economic and Trade Agreement was established in 2017, bilateral trade in goods and services has surged by 71%, showcasing the tangible benefits of our free trade agreement for citizens and businesses alike,” he stated.
“We are committed to collaborating to confront the rising challenges in the global economic and trading landscape. We reaffirm our dedication to sustainable, equitable, and open trade, grounded in the rule of law and adherence to internationally established trading norms, as stipulated by the World Trade Organization. This commitment is vital for sustaining global economic stability and ensuring the resilience of our supply chains,” concluded Ms. von der Leyen. (23/6/25)
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