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Canada Becomes First Non-European in EU SAFE Procurement Program at Munich Conference
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Canada formally joined the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defense procurement program on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, becoming the first non-European country to participate in the bloc’s new joint-buying framework, according to The Canadian Press on February 15.
Canadian Defense Minister David McGuinty said the agreement links Canada to the EU’s approximately $162 billion loan-backed effort to accelerate joint procurement and expand defense-industrial production as European governments push to close capability gaps and ramp up output.
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The Canadian Press reported that Canadian companies will be able to partner with European firms to bid on projects supported by SAFE financing.
It will provide Canadian industry access to a wider pool of EU-backed demand while aligning with European rearmament plans.
Mark Carney is Canada’s prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party, welcomed Canada’s entry into SAFE and said, “Canada is now the first non-European country to be granted membership in SAFE.”
Canada is now the first non-European country to be granted a membership in SAFE. This is a gamechanger program that means Canada can rearm our Canadian Armed Forces members more effectively and scale up our defence industries with more contracts overseas. pic.twitter.com/BhMLD2vVda
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) February 16, 2026
The outlet said the EU disclosed in December that Canada’s entry fee would be about $10.8 million, describing it as proportionate to the scale of contracts the EU expects participating countries to generate.
McGuinty, in remarks reported by The Canadian Press, framed the deal as strengthening collective security and supporting European and Ukrainian security, as the conference agenda was overshadowed by strained transatlantic ties and calls for Europe to take greater responsibility for its defense posture.
Meanwhile, it was reported that Ukraine’s partners outlined record commitments for defense production and weapons purchases, including plans for joint projects under SAFE alongside other multilateral procurement mechanisms.
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