The European Union and Canada will use the October Summit to announce a new, broad partnership, Politico reports on Wednesday.

The partnership will cover a wide range of issues, from removing barriers to digital trade to joint support for Ukraine and investment in tackling forest fires.

“The world is changing rapidly, with unprecedented geopolitical challenges, as well as challenges in the areas of trade, energy, technology, climate and resources,” says a draft joint statement distributed to EU ambassadors as part of preparations for the planned EU Summit on 29 October.

The EU and Canada are seeking to strengthen their strategic ties as they deal with the repercussions of US President Donald Trump’s trade war.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed days ago that Canada be invited to become an associate member of the EU, prompting an immediate threat from Trump to impose tariffs.

The draft also states that Canada and the EU “can build a deeper and more comprehensive relationship”.

The two sides, Politico further reports, plan to declare at the Summit in Montreal that they want to accelerate investment in critical minerals projects, strengthen supply chains and improve security of supply. They will also stress that “we will focus our ambitions on areas that offer the greatest returns for our people”, including “the development of reliable low-carbon energy”.

Finally, Ottawa and Brussels will announce the joint purchase of 50 De Havilland firefighting aircraft, which will be ready for use in Canada and Europe in 2030 to tackle forest fires.