Procurement of Military Equipment in Canada-European Union Relations

In: Studia diplomatica: Brussels journal of international relations, Band 59, Heft 4, S. 111-128

Abstract

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall & the nature of international conflict has changed. At the same time, the Canadian Forces & the Department of National Defense have seen dramatic reductions in their budgets & personnel strength, with an increase in operational tempo amid missions in the former Yugoslavia, the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, Haiti & other areas. Concurrently, the European Union, as a grouping of twenty-five Member States, has begun to coordinate their foreign & defense policy, establishing a Security Strategy, a Defense Agency, & a Rapid Reaction Force. In the academic literature, the Canada- EU military relationship, specifically in the area of procurement, tends to be overlooked, but is important in understanding the wider context of transatlantic security, defense & foreign policy. This paper will explore the procurement of major capital equipment, specifically aircraft, naval ships & mobile ground equipment & the factors influencing those decisions, including bilateral relationships between Canada & the United States & the European Union (EU). This paper will argue that Canada's procurement decisions are based on domestic & economic considerations combined with our increasing interdependence with the United States in both the economic & military fields, which is making it difficult to cooperate with the European Union in the area of procurement & defense related research & development. Adapted from the source document.