The EU and Britain plan to sign a security and defence agreement at a summit as part of an effort to strengthen co-operation in response to US military threats, the Financial Times reports.
EU diplomats told the Financial Times that the EU and the UK are preparing to sign a security and defence partnership agreement. This will take place at the upcoming EU-UK summit. The decision is predetermined by US President Donald Trump’s threats on military support and Russia’s proposals.
The FT notes that the actions of the US administration are pushing Brussels harder to conclude a pact with London. This would give British companies access to joint arms purchases.
Amid global turmoil, European countries are forced to increase defence spending and are discussing joining forces to protect Ukraine.
France and Britain are actively paving the way for the pact to be signed next month, the first event of its kind since Brexit, according to a European diplomat. The agreement is important to confirm Britain’s return to joint action with the EU.
EU ambassadors met in Brussels on May 19 in preparation for the summit. Most capitals backed the signing of the pact along with a statement on geopolitical issues. One interlocutor noted that current circumstances were bringing France and Britain closer together, despite disagreements over fishing rights and other issues.
