After months of complex negotiations, Canada has finally reached a final agreement with the EU to join the 15 billion euro "Security Action for Europe" (SAE) program. This marks the first time a third country has officially participated in this flagship joint procurement initiative of the EU. After joining the SAE weapons loan program, Canada will be able to participate in jointly funded defense projects, and Canadian companies will also be able to bid on joint procurement projects supported by the EU. For the EU, Canada's participation will also enhance the credibility of the program, help coordinate long-term weapon needs, and promote the development of the European defense industrial base. According to the "Security Action for Europe" program, the value of weapon systems paid by third countries can account for up to 35% of the total amount of the program; Canada will be able to get a larger share, but must pay "fees proportional to the benefits expected to be obtained by partner countries and their relevant entities," taking into account factors such as GDP, industrial competitiveness, and the depth of cooperation with European manufacturers. The negotiations also involved conditions for intellectual property control, as well as restrictions on the use of non-EU components in sensitive systems including drones, missile defense assets, and strategic enabler systems. The EU and UK negotiations related to the "Security Action for Europe" have broken down as of last Friday.
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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1850375082492170/
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