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2w ago

UK and EU Edge Closer to Defence Pact as May Summit Nears

Prime Minister Starmer and EU chief von der Leyen discuss a strategic partnership that could grant UK access to the €150 billion SAFE fund, while balancing trade talks with the US.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer addresses the crew of the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince Of Wales in front of an F35 fighter aircraft in the hangar of the carrier, which is on an eight month operational deployment. RICHARD POHLE/Pool via REUTERS
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer held talks in London

Overview

  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met in London to advance negotiations on a UK-EU defence and security partnership.
  • The proposed pact would allow the UK to participate in the EU's €150 billion SAFE fund for joint defence procurement, benefiting British companies like BAE Systems.
  • A May 19 UK-EU summit is expected to finalize the agreement and outline further cooperation on energy, fishing, food standards, and youth mobility.
  • Starmer faces a balancing act as he simultaneously pursues reduced US tariffs while maintaining UK standards in sectors like food and automotive manufacturing.
  • The defence pact reflects efforts to reset post-Brexit UK-EU relations, amid global uncertainty and concerns over the US's commitment to European security under President Trump.