Despite EU absence, Canada to work with Europe to reach NATO spending goal

Prime Minister Mark Carney has pledged that Canada will meet NATO’s newly adopted defence spending target of five per cent of GDP by 2035, declaring the world is once again at a critical “turning point” that demands strong leadership — even as Canada remains outside the European Union.

Speaking after NATO leaders agreed to the new goal, Carney underscored the need for Canada to bolster its global standing and readiness, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“Throughout Canada’s history, there have been turning points when the world’s fortunes have been in the balance, and each time Canada has chosen to step up, to lead on the path of democracy and freedom,” Carney said. “We’re once again in one of those moments. If we want the world of tomorrow to be shaped by our values, Canada must be ready. If we want a more secure world, we need a stronger Canada.”

Despite not being part of the EU, Carney noted that Canada will collaborate closely with European partners to reach its target, particularly through joint work in critical mineral development. “That’s part of the reason why we’re co-operating more closely with the Europeans, part of the reason why we continue co-operation with the US in the right areas,” he said.

Carney acknowledged the financial and political weight of the decision. “We’re not at a trade-off, we’re not at sacrifices in order to do those, these will be net additive,” he said. “More of this will happen in Canada, more of it will build our economy at the same time as it improves our defence and we’ll get the benefits.”

Still, he admitted trade-offs may come later: “We will have to make considerations about what less the federal government can do in certain cases and how we’re going to pay for it.”

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reinforced the commitment: no country, he said, can opt out, and all progress will be reviewed in four years. While several European allies have already pledged to meet the five per cent target, concerns remain among some EU members — highlighting Canada’s challenge as it ramps up from 2024’s $41 billion defence budget to an estimated $150 billion.

By Vafa Guliyeva