Halifax International Security Forum

From 21-23 November, the Delegation of the European Union to Canada had the pleasure to accompany European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius and General Sean Clancy, Chair of the EU Military Committee, for their mission to the Halifax International Security Forum (HISF) in Nova Scotia.

At the Forum, Commissioner Kubilius intervened in the plenary session "Democracies Defeat Dictators." He explored how democracies can translate prosperity into collective strength, what is required for free societies to defend themselves and each other, and how the transatlantic alliance and the European Union are shaping a stronger security landscape.

During his mission, the Commissioner held numerous bilateral meetings, including with Canada's Minister of National Defence, David McGuinty. Their discussion focused on progress in implementing the June 2024 EU-Canada Security and Defence Partnership. It covered the EU's Security Action for Europe programme, cooperation through Readiness 2030, and opportunities to deepen defence industry collaboration.

These exchanges reaffirm the shared commitment of the EU and Canada to deepen cooperation in defence and security, strengthen transatlantic resilience, and work together to uphold the rules-based international order.