September 26, 2026 — ENS NEWS
Canada and Germany have signed a new agreement that will allow the two countries to securely exchange classified and protected information, strengthening cooperation on defence, national security, advanced technology and economic matters.
The General Security of Information Agreement, signed during German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s visit to Canada, establishes a formal framework for sharing sensitive material such as intelligence, operational information and technical data connected to defence and security activities.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said the agreement is expected to support closer collaboration in areas including trade, innovation and advanced technologies. The deal also applies to certain information exchanged by governments and industry.
Stronger Canada–Germany Partnership
The agreement comes as Canada seeks deeper economic and security ties with European partners.
Germany is one of Canada’s most important trading partners in Europe. According to the federal government, bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries reached $34.3 billion in 2025, making Germany Canada’s sixth-largest merchandise trading partner globally and its largest within the European Union.
The new security framework could also make it easier for Canadian companies to participate in German contracts that involve classified information, including opportunities in defence, aerospace, marine, energy and space industries.
Defence Cooperation in Focus
Canada and Germany are both members of NATO and have worked together on European and transatlantic security for decades.
The Canadian government says the agreement will help the two countries exchange intelligence and other sensitive material more securely while improving coordination on shared defence priorities.
The agreement also comes amid closer defence procurement ties. Canada has been pursuing new military capabilities, including a major submarine procurement project in which Germany’s TKMS has been involved. Negotiations connected to that procurement remain ongoing.
AI and Advanced Technology Cooperation
Security is not the only area where Ottawa and Berlin are increasing cooperation.
The two countries have also been discussing artificial intelligence, digital technologies, critical minerals, energy and more resilient supply chains.
Earlier in September, Canada and Germany announced planned investments of C$150 million and €100 million respectively in LawZero, a project focused on developing safer and more trustworthy advanced artificial intelligence.
A Changing Global Security Environment
German Foreign Minister Wadephul said Canada and Europe are operating in a changing international environment where traditional dependencies can create new vulnerabilities.
The two governments say closer cooperation will help them protect sensitive information, respond to emerging security threats and strengthen economic resilience.
Canada and Germany are also working toward a broader strategic partnership that could expand cooperation in defence, artificial intelligence, energy, critical minerals and investment.
What the Agreement Could Mean for Canada
For Canada, the agreement could open more opportunities for domestic companies to participate in classified European defence and technology projects while also strengthening intelligence cooperation with a major NATO ally.
It also reflects Ottawa’s wider effort to diversify Canada’s international partnerships and build deeper economic and security links with Europe.