Canada and Germany have signed a new agreement allowing the secure exchange of sensitive information, including intelligence and classified material related to defence and security. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul signed the General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA) in Ottawa on Sept. 25. The agreement establishes a framework for protecting and exchanging sensitive information between the two countries. The agreement covers intelligence, sensitive operational information and technical data connected to defence and security activities. It will also allow Canadian companies to participate more easily in German contracts involving classified information, including opportunities linked to Canada’s planned submarine program. The deal comes as Canada works to strengthen its economic and security relationships with European countries. Prime Minister Mark Carney has been pursuing closer ties with the European Union in areas including defence, critical minerals, energy, artificial intelligence, technology and supply chains. Germany is Canada’s largest trading partner within the European Union. Bilateral merchandise trade reached approximately $34.3 billion in 2025, according to the federal government. The two countries are also long-standing NATO allies and are cooperating on security, defence and support for Ukraine. The agreement is expected to make it easier for governments and companies in both countries to work on projects where classified information is involved. It covers information exchanged by governments as well as information shared with industry under appropriate security protections. Wadephul said the agreement comes at a time of major changes in the international security environment and emphasized the importance of trusted partnerships between Canada and Germany. The agreement also builds on broader Canada-Germany cooperation. In recent months, the two countries have been expanding collaboration in defence, energy, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, technology and space. Canada and Germany are also negotiating a broader Strategic Partnership Agreement covering security, defence, emerging technologies, supply chains, energy and space.
The new intelligence-sharing framework does not mean Canada is ending its long-standing security relationship with the United States. Instead, Ottawa says it is part of a broader effort to strengthen cooperation with multiple trusted allies and expand Canada’s options for defence, trade and economic security. The agreement also comes shortly after the European Commission proposed developing a closer and broader relationship with Canada beyond the existing Canada-EU trade framework. Canada has welcomed discussions about a stronger partnership with the European Union. Canadian officials say the Germany agreement will strengthen information protection, support defence cooperation and create additional opportunities for Canadian businesses in sectors such as defence, aerospace, marine, energy and space.