The European Union’s Call for Unity and Strength in Turbulent Times
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has issued a stark warning about the consequences of internal trade disputes among Western nations, particularly the United States, Canada, and Europe. In a recent interview with The Canadian Press, Kallas emphasized that trade wars between these countries ultimately benefit China, allowing it to gain ground in the global economy. As the former prime minister of Estonia, Kallas brings a unique perspective to the EU’s foreign policy, especially amid growing concerns over geopolitical instability. With the U.S. hinting at reducing its commitment to NATO and engaging in trade tensions with Europe and Canada, Kallas is urging Western allies to remain united and focused on common challenges. “We are trying to keep a cool head,” she said, but the EU is also prepared to defend its interests if necessary.
Europe’s Growing Challenges and the Need for Cooperation
Europe is currently grappling with a multitude of crises, including the first large-scale land war on the continent in decades, budget constraints that are straining governments, and an increasing frequency of severe weather events linked to climate change. These challenges have prompted the EU to seek stronger partnerships, particularly with Canada, to reinforce supply chains in critical areas such as food and energy. The free-trade agreement between Europe and Canada, which has been in effect since 2017, serves as a foundation for enhancing economic security and cooperation. Kallas highlighted the importance of deepening collaboration, stating, “We definitely need to deepen our co-operation in those areas, especially in terms of economic security.”
A Call for Military Cooperation and Defence Spending
Beyond economic ties, Europe is also looking to Canada for military cooperation. Earlier this month, outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended a European security conference focused on maintaining allies’ support for Ukraine’s defence. Europeans are closely monitoring reports of a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, with some countries pledging to deploy troops and jets to maintain peace and deter further Russian aggression. The EU and Canada have been discussing a potential security and defence partnership for nearly a year, which could mirror agreements the EU has with Japan and South Korea. These partnerships include joint naval exercises and collaborations on underwater infrastructure. Kallas emphasized that the proposed partnership would involve “important co-operation when it comes to the defence industry” and shared standards for defence investments.
The Importance of NATO Strength and Avoiding Parallel Structures
Kallas was clear that Europe has no interest in creating “parallel structures” that could rival NATO, the cornerstone of transatlantic security. “The stronger Canada is, and the stronger European allies in NATO are, the stronger NATO is,” she said. However, she stressed the need for greater defence spending among NATO members, including Canada, to counter the growing threat posed by Russia. Many NATO countries are falling short of the alliance’s defence spending target of 2% of GDP, with some discussions around raising this target to 2.5% or even 3%. Kallas noted that Russia’s defence spending amounts to a staggering 9% of its GDP, underscoring the need for Western allies to invest more in their military capabilities. “If we are not investing in our defence enough, then they will want to use this military force again,” she warned.
The Arctic as a Geopolitical Flashpoint
As the former leader of Estonia, a country with a tumultuous history with Russia, Kallas brought a personal perspective to the discussion. She highlighted the growing importance of the Arctic region, not only due to its trade routes and critical raw materials but also as a potential flashpoint in the conflict with Russia. Kallas urged Canadians to recognize that Russia is not just a distant threat but a neighbour in the Arctic. “Russia is an existential threat, not only to European security but actually global security,” she said. She warned that allowing Russia to continue its aggression in Ukraine without consequences would embolden it to pursue further land grabs and destabilize the global order.
Conclusion: Unity and Strength in the Face of Global Threats
Kallas’s message is clear: the West must remain united and strengthen its defences in response to the threats posed by Russia and China. Trade disputes between Western nations only serve to weaken their collective position, while increased defence spending and military cooperation are essential to deter aggression. The proposed security and defence partnership between the EU and Canada represents a significant step in this direction. By working together, Western allies can address the multiple challenges they face, from supply chain vulnerabilities to the growing assertiveness of authoritarian powers. As Kallas emphasized, strength and unity are the only deterrents against those who seek to undermine global stability.
