Canada applies to join JEF, the UK-led defence alliance

Canada has formally applied to join the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), a multinational force led by the United Kingdom that aims to strengthen defence cooperation and enable rapid responses to security crises, writes areadifesa.it.

The announcement was made on September 16 by the office of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, following his meeting in the United Kingdom with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham. London has welcomed Canada’s application and expressed support for its participation.

The JEF currently consists of 10 NATO countries: the United Kingdom, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.

The force aims to increase member countries’ ability to respond quickly to crises and threats, particularly in the Arctic, the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea region.

The JEF can operate independently or in cooperation with NATO, complementing the Alliance’s efforts.

During the meeting, Carney and Burnham also discussed strengthening economic and industrial cooperation in the defence field, as well as cooperation on the safe and responsible development and use of artificial intelligence.