France and Canada are expanding their strategic cooperation in areas including defence, space, energy, critical minerals, and advanced technology following a meeting between French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on September 20, 2026.
The two leaders met in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, a French territory in the North Atlantic close to Canada’s Newfoundland and Labrador coast. Their meeting produced agreements and new areas of cooperation covering security, economic relations, space infrastructure, and energy.
Macron and Carney Meet in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon
The meeting took place during Carney’s European visit and was the first time both leaders had visited the French archipelago.
According to the Canadian government, Macron and Carney reaffirmed the close relationship between the two countries and discussed ways to strengthen security, resilience, and prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.
Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon was chosen as the meeting location because of its unique geographical connection to both France and Canada.
France and Canada Plan Joint Space Infrastructure
One of the concrete outcomes of the meeting concerns space technology.
The two leaders directed their space agencies, defence ministries, and industries to develop and share common space infrastructure. This includes:
- Launch systems
- Ground reception infrastructure
- Ground control systems
- Other space-related capabilities
The Canadian government’s official statement said the initiative is intended to strengthen cooperation and technological capabilities between the two countries.
Defence Cooperation
Defence was another central subject during the discussions.
France and Canada intend to increase cooperation between their defence ministries and industries as both countries examine new strategic capabilities.
The announcement comes shortly after Canada applied to join the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), a UK-led military cooperation framework involving several European countries. Reuters reported that Canada’s application is part of a broader effort to expand defence cooperation with European partners.
The France-Canada relationship is therefore developing within a wider Canadian effort to establish stronger links with European countries.
Energy Cooperation
Energy is also an important part of the developing partnership.
The two countries discussed opportunities involving energy security and the expansion of economic links. Reuters reported that France is interested in Canadian energy supplies, including potential liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to Europe.
Canada has been looking for additional international markets for its energy resources, while European countries are examining ways to diversify their energy supplies.
Critical Minerals
France and Canada are also looking at cooperation involving critical minerals.
These materials are important for industries such as batteries, electric vehicles, electronics, renewable energy, and advanced technologies.
Canada has significant mineral resources, while France and the European Union are seeking more resilient supply chains for strategic raw materials.
The Canadian government identified critical minerals as one of the sectors included in the countries’ strategic discussions.
Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology
Advanced technology is another area of cooperation.
The agenda discussed by the two governments includes technologies such as:
- Artificial intelligence
- Quantum technology
- Satellites
- Supercomputing
- Telecommunications
These sectors are increasingly important for both economic development and strategic infrastructure.
France has been developing its own technology and AI ecosystem, while Canada has also invested heavily in artificial intelligence research and digital infrastructure.
Canada and the European Union
The France-Canada discussions are also connected to Canada’s broader relationship with the European Union.
During a speech at the European Parliament on September 17, Carney proposed a deeper strategic relationship between Canada and the EU, including cooperation in defence, energy, critical minerals, AI, and digital trade.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also discussed the possibility of Canada becoming an associate member of the EU, a status that does not currently exist under EU treaties. Macron has expressed support for the idea.
Any such arrangement would require discussions and agreement at the European level.
Trade and Economic Relations
Economic cooperation is another element of the France-Canada relationship.
The governments want to strengthen cooperation between businesses and institutions, particularly in strategic sectors.
According to the Canadian government, the agenda includes economic growth, energy transition, climate resilience, and cooperation between business communities on both sides of the Atlantic.
The two countries are also discussing ways to increase investment and trade as global supply chains continue to evolve.
Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure
Telecommunications and digital infrastructure are becoming increasingly important areas for international cooperation.
France and Canada have identified advanced technologies, telecommunications, satellites, and computing infrastructure as areas where closer collaboration could be developed.
Cooperation in these fields could include research, investment, infrastructure development, and partnerships between private companies and public institutions.
Climate and Environmental Cooperation
Climate resilience was also included in the discussions.
The two countries intend to continue cooperation involving the North Atlantic region, economic development, and the transition toward lower-carbon energy systems.
The geographical location of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon also highlights the importance of the Atlantic and Arctic regions to both France and Canada.
Why Is Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon Important?
Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon is a French overseas collectivity located near Canada’s Atlantic coast.
Its location makes it one of the closest points where French territory is geographically connected to North America.
Holding the meeting there gave the two governments an opportunity to highlight their historical relationship and their shared Atlantic interests.
A Broader Strategic Partnership
The September 20 meeting did not focus on only one sector.
The cooperation agenda now includes several areas:
| Sector | Areas of Cooperation |
|---|---|
| Defence | Defence ministries and industries |
| Space | Launch and ground infrastructure |
| Energy | Energy security and LNG |
| Critical Minerals | Strategic supply chains |
| Technology | AI, quantum technology and supercomputing |
| Telecommunications | Digital infrastructure |
| Climate | Climate resilience and energy transition |
| Trade | Business and investment cooperation |
This broad agenda reflects the increasing number of areas in which France and Canada are seeking closer cooperation.
What Happens Next?
The next stage will involve turning the political commitments into specific projects and agreements.
Among the areas to watch are:
- Development of joint space infrastructure
- Defence-industry cooperation
- Canadian energy exports to Europe
- Critical-mineral partnerships
- Technology and AI projects
- New business agreements
- Canada-EU strategic discussions
The September meeting established the framework for additional work, but many individual projects will require further negotiations and implementation.
Conclusion
France and Canada are expanding their cooperation across defence, space, energy, critical minerals, technology, telecommunications, and trade.
The September 20, 2026 meeting between Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon produced plans for closer cooperation on space infrastructure and strategic industries, while also reinforcing the broader economic relationship between the two countries.
The discussions are also linked to Canada’s broader efforts to strengthen its relationship with Europe, including deeper cooperation with the European Union in strategic sectors such as energy, AI, defence, and critical minerals.
Further developments will depend on the agreements and projects that France, Canada, European institutions, and private companies implement following the September discussions.