UK and EU Consider Restarting Defence Cooperation Negotiations
In a significant diplomatic development, the United Kingdom and European Union are actively exploring the possibility of reviving talks on closer defence cooperation. This move comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasised his desire to "go further" in strengthening the UK's relationship with Brussels, signalling a potential shift in post-Brexit foreign policy.
Starmer's Vision for Enhanced EU Relations
Speaking from Beijing during a House of UK reception in China on Friday, Starmer articulated his vision for a more dynamic relationship with European partners. "I think we should not just follow through on what we've already agreed," the Prime Minister stated. "The relationship with the EU and every summit should be iterative. We should be seeking to go further."
Starmer specifically highlighted potential areas for future collaboration beyond existing trade agreements, including chemicals and automotive sectors. These industries face impending tariffs for non-electric vehicles from next year, adding urgency to negotiations. The Prime Minister also mentioned ongoing discussions about a youth mobility scheme, with the UK seeking numerical caps and fixed durations for free travel arrangements.
Collapsed Defence Fund Negotiations
The renewed interest in defence cooperation follows the collapse of talks in November 2025 regarding UK participation in the EU's €150 billion Security Action for Europe (Safe) defence fund. Diplomatic sources revealed that negotiations broke down primarily over financial contributions, with the EU reportedly demanding approximately €2 billion while British officials believed a contribution "in the hundreds of millions" was more appropriate.
This failure was described by Brussels insiders as "an embarrassment" given that both sides had previously declared prospects for "enhanced cooperation" through Safe during a summit hosted by Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in May last year.
European Divisions and Political Pressures
Complicating matters are apparent divisions among EU member states regarding UK involvement in defence initiatives. France has reportedly sought to make UK participation in Safe conditional on London joining a separate €90 billion loan programme for Ukraine, secured against Russian frozen assets in Belgium. Germany, however, opposes such preconditions and wants UK involvement "as soon as possible."
Starmer faces domestic political pressure as well, with Labour MP Stella Creasy, chair of the Labour Movement for Europe, noting "growing recognition our future lies with restoring a strong working relationship" with the EU. This sentiment has gained momentum amid concerns about the UK's relationship with the United States under Donald Trump's administration.
Upcoming Diplomatic Engagements
The diplomatic landscape features several imminent high-level meetings that could shape future cooperation. EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič is scheduled to visit London next week for talks covering trade, energy, and fisheries. While defence is not currently on the formal agenda for Monday's EU-UK Partnership Council meeting with UK representative Nick Thomas-Symonds, diplomatic sources indicate the UK is keen to discuss restarting defence negotiations "as soon as it can."
Šefčovič will also meet Chancellor Rachel Reeves to discuss geoeconomic issues and Business Secretary Peter Kyle. Further opportunities for defence discussions may emerge at a political summit in Washington on Wednesday, convened by Marco Rubio to address critical minerals, with the Foreign Office sending ministerial representation.
Strategic Implications and Industry Benefits
The Safe defence fund represents a significant strategic initiative, comprising money raised by the European Commission on credit markets and lent to member states over 45 years for military procurement. While the UK cannot currently apply for Safe loans, joining the programme under third-country rules would enable British defence companies to tender for procurement contracts, potentially providing substantial benefits to the UK defence industry.
One government source close to the negotiations commented: "Europe needs the UK, so they thought this could all be revisited and fixed. The UK government is open to a second go but clearly if the EU came back with the same kind of proposition, it would be the same answer."
The renewed push for defence cooperation comes against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, particularly regarding NATO's future under potential Trump administration policies, adding urgency to European security collaboration efforts.
