UK Reopens Talks With EU on Defence Cooperation and SAFE Fund Participation
British government signals renewed interest in joining the EU’s Security Action for Europe defence initiative as part of a broader push for deeper defence ties
The United Kingdom has signalled a renewed willingness to engage with the European Union on deeper defence cooperation, including the possibility of joining the EU’s flagship Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence fund, amid efforts to strengthen post-Brexit strategic relations and respond to shifting global security dynamics.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has indicated that, despite the collapse of previous negotiations over the UK’s participation in SAFE last year, London is open to reassessing its position if future terms align with national interest and provide tangible benefits for the UK defence industry.
Talks between UK officials and their EU counterparts are expected to resume shortly, with defence cooperation and SAFE participation anticipated to feature in broader discussions about resetting bilateral relations.
The SAFE fund, backed by an estimated €150 billion in lending capacity, is intended to support collaborative European defence projects and boost military capability across the continent.
Full participation could allow UK firms to play a more substantial role in joint defence initiatives and bid for larger contracts, while under existing third-country rules British companies are limited in the share of contracts they can supply.
Previous negotiations over SAFE broke down in late 2025 amid disagreement over the cost and terms of UK involvement.
Brussels had reportedly sought a multi-billion-euro contribution as a condition for fuller access, a demand that London judged excessive and lacking sufficient value for UK industry.
The breakdown denied British defence manufacturers broader access to programme work and highlighted wider challenges in post-Brexit defence cooperation.
Nonetheless, the recent shift in tone from Westminster reflects a broader desire to expand UK–EU collaboration in security and defence fields, driven in part by shared concerns over geopolitical pressures and the need to maintain robust deterrence capabilities.
Beyond SAFE, the UK and EU are expected to explore other avenues of cooperation, including improving military mobility, industrial collaboration and joint research, as part of efforts to enhance collective security.
While differences remain among EU member states over the terms of UK engagement, officials on both sides acknowledge the mutual benefits of closer ties.
Renewed discussions will take place against a backdrop of wider strategic considerations, including alliance commitments and competition with other global powers, underscoring the evolving nature of European defence architecture in the post-Brexit era.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has indicated that, despite the collapse of previous negotiations over the UK’s participation in SAFE last year, London is open to reassessing its position if future terms align with national interest and provide tangible benefits for the UK defence industry.
Talks between UK officials and their EU counterparts are expected to resume shortly, with defence cooperation and SAFE participation anticipated to feature in broader discussions about resetting bilateral relations.
The SAFE fund, backed by an estimated €150 billion in lending capacity, is intended to support collaborative European defence projects and boost military capability across the continent.
Full participation could allow UK firms to play a more substantial role in joint defence initiatives and bid for larger contracts, while under existing third-country rules British companies are limited in the share of contracts they can supply.
Previous negotiations over SAFE broke down in late 2025 amid disagreement over the cost and terms of UK involvement.
Brussels had reportedly sought a multi-billion-euro contribution as a condition for fuller access, a demand that London judged excessive and lacking sufficient value for UK industry.
The breakdown denied British defence manufacturers broader access to programme work and highlighted wider challenges in post-Brexit defence cooperation.
Nonetheless, the recent shift in tone from Westminster reflects a broader desire to expand UK–EU collaboration in security and defence fields, driven in part by shared concerns over geopolitical pressures and the need to maintain robust deterrence capabilities.
Beyond SAFE, the UK and EU are expected to explore other avenues of cooperation, including improving military mobility, industrial collaboration and joint research, as part of efforts to enhance collective security.
While differences remain among EU member states over the terms of UK engagement, officials on both sides acknowledge the mutual benefits of closer ties.
Renewed discussions will take place against a backdrop of wider strategic considerations, including alliance commitments and competition with other global powers, underscoring the evolving nature of European defence architecture in the post-Brexit era.
