#nato

France is on edge ahead of the final round of its snap legislative election, with polls indicating a potential victory for Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally. This political earthquake, triggered by President Emmanuel Macron, could lead to a contentious 'cohabitation' government. For Canada, the stakes are high. A National Rally-led government threatens the full implementation of the Canada-EU trade deal (CETA), could create friction within the NATO alliance, and would fundamentally alter the diplomatic relationship between Ottawa and Paris, with significant economic and geopolitical consequences for Canadian interests in Europe.

Canada is facing intensifying pressure from its NATO allies, particularly the United States, to present a clear plan for reaching the alliance's defence spending target of 2% of GDP. With the 75th-anniversary summit in Washington approaching, Ottawa's current trajectory, which projects spending to reach 1.76% by 2030, is viewed as insufficient by many partners. The federal government is balancing international commitments against domestic priorities amid a challenging geopolitical landscape, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. The upcoming summit will be a critical test of Canada's standing within the alliance.

As NATO prepares for its 75th-anniversary summit in Washington, Canada faces intensified pressure from allies to meet the alliance's defence spending target of 2% of GDP. Despite a recent policy update promising billions in new funding, projections show Canada will still fall short, currently spending around 1.37%. With the war in Ukraine and growing global instability, allies like the United States are publicly urging Ottawa to increase its commitment. The summit will be a critical test for the Trudeau government as it balances domestic priorities with its international security obligations.