EU and Canada deepen ties, announce new security and defense pact

Now, let's take a look at some stories from around the world with our Choi Chi Hee.

Good morning, Chi Hee.

Good morning, Eunji.

Let's begin with the EU and Canada deepening ties following a summit in Brussels.

Sure. Canada and the European Union have signed a new security and defense pact, amid growing geopolitical threats and regional instability.

On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa formalized the EU-Canada Security and Defense Partnership.

The agreement, which is the first of its kind for the EU with a country from the Americas, aims to deepen collaboration in areas such as crisis management, cybersecurity, arms control, and support for Ukraine.

A key component of the pact is Canada's potential participation in the EU's 172-billion-U.S.-dollar joint procurement program, SAFE, facilitating joint defense acquisitions and industrial cooperation.

The Canadian Prime Minister emphasized that the partnership would enable Canada to deliver on "new capabilities more rapidly and more effectively."

This reflects a strategic shift to diversify defense partnerships beyond traditional reliance on the United States.

The summit also led to negotiations for a digital agreement to align standards on issues, including consumer protection, to make online platforms safer and more inclusive.