Overview

• A leaked draft reveals Britain may consider deploying troops on EU civilian and military missions upon invitation as part of a proposed defence partnership.
• Access to the EU's €150 billion Safe rearmament fund is contingent on the UK joining the defence pact and agreeing to a three-year fishing arrangement for EU boats in British waters.
• The draft outlines areas of cooperation, including intelligence sharing, conflict prevention, and joint efforts on emerging threats like AI, cybersecurity, and counter-terrorism.
• Critics argue the proposed deal risks eroding UK sovereignty and warn of potential deeper alignment with EU defence structures.
• The UK government maintains that the draft is an internal EU document and that no final agreement has been reached ahead of the May 19 London summit.