The Munich Security Conference - where does Canada fit?
Agreements were concluded with Denmark, France, Germany & Netherlands
With longstanding alliances called into question, the rules-based international order eroding and mounting instability and escalating conflicts across the globe, this year’s Munich Security Conference took place at a fundamental inflection point.
We were getting ready to release another What’s making waves across the Atlantic, but the surprising number of announcements at the Munich Security Conference made it front-end heavy. So instead we’re splitting the apple in two - releasing MSC first, followed by another release towards the back of the week.
Let’s get started.
Munich Security Conference
The Munich Security Conference covers the gamut of European security and defence, the future of the transatlantic relationship, the revitalization of multilateralism, competing visions of the global order, regional conflicts, and the security implications of technological advances.
Canada’s tragic mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge cancelled Prime Minister Carney’s participation at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, as well as the launch of Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy.
National media coverage has understandably not picked up on the advances on many diplomatic fronts.
However, three Canadian cabinet ministers attended: National Defence Minister David McGuinty, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, and Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon.
Key outcomes
MSC led to numerous developments:
Canada celebrated the launch of a new Sovereign Technology Alliance to strengthen cooperation among trusted partners on advanced technologies, and building on the Canada–Germany Digital Alliance announced in Dec 2025.
Minister McGuinty signed off on joining the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE).
Canada agreed to a Joint Vision Statement with the Netherlands, agreeing to reinforce defence and industrial cooperation, including continued support for Ukraine and the exploration of new commercial opportunities and investments.
Canada and France agreed to a Roadmap toward a strategic partnership. The Roadmap will deliver actionable outcomes across areas of shared interest and highlights the two countries’ cooperation to advance mutual defence priorities.
Canada and Denmark signed a defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding, which will enable enhanced cooperation in defence and security activities, particularly in the Arctic and the North Atlantic, as well as defence innovation, defence materiel and industrial cooperation, mutual logistics support, and training.
The conference also led to a Letter of Intent on multinational approaches to military airworthiness, and Canada joining the Initial Alliance Future Surveillance Control Support Partnership Committee.
Finally, Canada hosted a Northern Defence Dialogue with Arctic Allies, including Finland, Iceland, and the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands, Norway, Sweden and the United States.
If you’re looking for the official press release, or some minor news coverage for more details.
These developments signal that Canada is not just a rhetorical partner in transatlantic security and Ottawa is embedding Canadian defence interests into multilateral efforts.
Btw, the new announcement date for Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy is now tomorrow Tues 17th.
PS. 1,072 have now joined www.canadaxeurope.com, committing to improving trans-Atlantic relations. Forward this to someone who hasn’t!