Welcome to the Weekly Brief by tut0ugh. This past week, Canada and the EU explored deeper ties, the US and Denmark agreed a Greenland security framework, and countries advanced new defence, economic and regional cooperation initiatives worldwide.
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Canada-EU ties deepen as Brussels explores first associate membership framework
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed inviting Canada to become the European Union’s first associate member during her 2026 State of the Union address, as Brussels seeks stronger partnerships on security, technology, energy and critical resources.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed the proposal, describing deeper EU cooperation as a way to strengthen economic resilience and sovereignty through collaboration on areas including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, critical minerals and space-based communications.
The proposal, which would require approval from EU member states and establish a new form of partnership, was criticised by US President Donald Trump, who warned it could lead to trade measures if viewed as hostile.
US and Denmark reach deal on Greenland security ahead of UN General Assembly
The United States, Denmark and Greenland announced a new agreement aimed at strengthening security cooperation in the Arctic and North Atlantic. The accord is expected to be signed during the UN General Assembly before undergoing parliamentary procedures.
US President Donald Trump said the agreement would strengthen America’s security role in Greenland, while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said it respects the sovereignty of Denmark and Greenland’s right to self-determination.
Further details remain undisclosed. The agreement follows increased focus on Greenland’s strategic importance amid growing Arctic competition involving Russia, China, critical resources and emerging maritime routes.
Scottish, Welsh and Sinn Féin leaders sign self determination memorandum
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland political leaders have signed a memorandum of understanding committing their parties to closer cooperation on constitutional change, economic development, energy policy and international relations.
The agreement was signed by John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland and SNP leader; Rhun ap Iorwerth, First Minister of Wales and Plaid Cymru leader; Michelle O’Neill, First Minister of Northern Ireland and Sinn Féin vice president; and Mary Lou McDonald, President of Sinn Féin.
The memorandum argues that the nations have the right to determine their futures democratically and calls for preparations for possible constitutional change. It comes amid renewed debate over the future of the United Kingdom.
Ukraine launches Carpathian Eight initiative to strengthen Central European cooperation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy launched the Carpathian Eight (C8) regional cooperation initiative at a summit in Bukovel, Ukraine, bringing together eight Central and Eastern European countries and the European Union.
The framework aims to strengthen regional connectivity through infrastructure development, energy cooperation, trade routes, critical minerals, manufacturing and cross-border investment. Discussions also focused on improving military mobility and transport links across the region.
Zelenskyy said the initiative would complement existing regional partnerships and support closer cooperation between Carpathian states and the EU, with businesses and investors involved in developing future projects.
US, Israel and Morocco reaffirm partnership during trilateral talks in New York
The United States, Morocco and Israel reaffirmed their commitment to the Abraham Accords, agreeing to expand diplomatic, economic and security cooperation following talks in New York.
Morocco and Israel confirmed plans to upgrade diplomatic missions to full embassies, exchange ambassadors and resume direct flights before the end of 2026. The countries also aim to strengthen cooperation in trade, technology, energy, agriculture, tourism and regional security.
The United States and Israel reiterated recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal, while the three countries pledged to advance regional integration and bilateral relations.
France deepens Middle East partnerships with Iraq and Jordan; Finland joins France’s Forward Deterrence initiative
French President Emmanuel Macron strengthened France’s strategic partnerships in the Middle East through agreements with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaïdi and King Abdullah II Ibn Hussein of Jordan.
France and Iraq agreed to expand cooperation on defence, energy, infrastructure and economic development, while France and Jordan signed a new defence cooperation agreement focused on security, regional stability and strengthening Jordanian capabilities. The two countries also highlighted cooperation on water security, trade and diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions.
Meanwhile, Finland joined France’s Forward Deterrence initiative, expanding European participation in discussions on nuclear deterrence and continental security alongside NATO’s existing framework.
US and Germany expand defence industrial cooperation; Washington and Lithuania strengthen critical minerals ties
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius signed an agreement to expand defence industrial cooperation between the two countries. The deal aims to accelerate joint development, production and maintenance of military equipment, while supporting NATO capability goals and transatlantic defence readiness.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys signed a critical minerals framework to strengthen supply chain resilience and economic security. The agreement aims to support investment, processing projects and cooperation on resources considered important for future technology and defence industries.
EU and South Korea strengthen space cooperation; South Korea and Kazakhstan elevate strategic partnership
The European Union and South Korea agreed to strengthen cooperation on secure satellite connectivity and explore future integration with the EU’s IRIS² constellation. The agreement establishes a joint working group to assess technical cooperation, exchange expertise and support secure government communications, with IRIS²’s first deployment phase expected by the end of 2029.
Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev elevated bilateral ties to a “future-oriented comprehensive strategic partnership”, signing 13 agreements covering energy, critical minerals, nuclear cooperation, artificial intelligence and technology, as Seoul strengthens economic security and strategic engagement with Central Asia.
Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire deepen security cooperation; China upgrades Djibouti military base
Guinea President Mamady Doumbouya and Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara agreed to deepen cooperation on security, trade and political issues after talks in Abidjan. The leaders backed stronger intelligence-sharing to tackle terrorism, cross-border crime and illegal gold mining, reinforcing regional stability in West Africa.
Meanwhile, analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) found China has expanded communications infrastructure at its People’s Liberation Army Support Base in Djibouti. New facilities could strengthen command, intelligence and surveillance capabilities near the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, supporting Beijing’s growing overseas military and naval operations.
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