A potential game-changer is brewing in the world of international relations, and it's time to dive into the details! The UK and EU are on the brink of exploring renewed talks on defence cooperation, a move that could reshape the geopolitical landscape.
Keir Starmer, the UK's leader, has expressed his desire to strengthen the UK's relationship with Brussels, and this week, Maroš Šefčovič, the EU's trade commissioner, will be in London for discussions. While trade, energy, and fisheries are on the official agenda, diplomatic sources reveal that the UK is eager to prioritize defence negotiations.
But here's where it gets controversial... Previous talks for the UK to join the EU's €150 billion Security Action for Europe (Safe) defence fund collapsed in 2025. The EU was accused of setting an entry price that was too high, but France denies responsibility. Diplomatic sources suggest lingering tension between Paris and other member states, especially Germany, which wants the UK involved in Safe ASAP.
One European source claims France wants the UK's involvement in Safe conditional on London participating in a second defence program agreed upon by EU leaders in December. This program involves a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, securitized against Russian frozen assets in Belgium. Germany, however, doesn't want any preconditions.
Sources in Brussels admit that the failure to agree in November was an embarrassment, especially given the EU and both sides had already declared the prospect of enhanced cooperation through Safe at the summit hosted by Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen in May last year.
However, there seems to be a growing appetite for a deal on the UK's participation in future rounds of Safe, especially in light of Donald Trump's threats to take over Greenland and his criticism of NATO.
Starmer, speaking in Beijing, emphasized the UK's desire for a closer relationship beyond trade, with possible future deals in chemicals and cars, which will face tariffs for non-electric vehicles next year. The UK is also negotiating a youth mobility scheme, with Starmer seeking caps on numbers and fixed durations for free travel.
"I think we should not just stick to what we've already agreed. The relationship with the EU should evolve at every summit," Starmer said. "We should aim higher. There are other areas in the single market where we can make progress. That will depend on our discussions and what we believe is in our national interest.
But I'm indicating here that we can go further. The single market is the place to look, rather than the customs union, which no longer serves our purpose well."
Starmer faces pressure from within his own party for closer EU ties, especially given the chequered relations with the US under Trump.
Stella Creasy, a Labour MP and chair of the Labour Movement for Europe, said, "There's now a growing recognition that our future lies in restoring a strong working relationship, not just on defence but on national and economic security. Everything should be on the table in talks with EU countries."
Šefčovič will meet Nick Thomas-Symonds on Monday for the annual EU-UK Partnership Council meeting, where defence is not currently on the agenda. The UK is prioritizing progress on food and drink.
Šefčovič and EU economy commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis will also meet with Rachel Reeves to discuss geoeconomics, and he will have meetings with Peter Kyle, the business secretary.
There may be further opportunities for defence discussions at a political summit in Washington on Wednesday, convened by Marco Rubio to discuss critical minerals, with a UK minister in attendance.
A source close to the government said, "The UK government was prepared to pay, but there was a huge gap between the parties. Europe needs the UK, so they thought this could be revisited and fixed. There was a political obstacle. The UK government is open to another attempt, but if the EU comes back with the same proposition, it will be the same answer. It was the French who were seen as pushing an unreasonable position."
The EU had demanded a €2 billion contribution from the UK, but the British felt a contribution in the hundreds of millions was more suitable. The fund, raised on credit markets by the European Commission, offers low-cost loans to member states to procure military equipment, including from the UK and other countries like Canada.
The aim is to quickly build up the EU's defence capability, made more urgent by Trump's lack of support.
While the UK can't apply for a Safe loan, joining the program under third-country rules could boost the British defence industry by allowing UK companies to tender for procurement contracts to provide arms to the EU.
So, what do you think? Is this a step towards a stronger, more united Europe, or a controversial move with potential pitfalls? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
