The United Kingdom is moving closer to a fresh defence cooperation pact with the European Union, as leaders on both sides look to rebuild relations in the wake of shifting global alliances triggered during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in office since last year, has prioritized strengthening the UK’s relationship with the EU, starting with areas where Britain maintains a strong position—namely, security and defence. This could lay the foundation for broader cooperation in the future. However, the government must tread carefully to avoid appearing overly aligned with Europe, especially as it simultaneously seeks to strike a better trade agreement with the United States aimed at reducing certain American import duties.
Starmer is scheduled to meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in London on Thursday. Officials from both the UK and the EU are optimistic that a defence partnership can be finalized at a bilateral summit expected next month.
Germany’s ambassador to the UK, Miguel Berger, said the upcoming May 19 summit is taking place in a particularly tense global context, underscoring the need for stronger joint action between the EU, the UK, and the wider European region.
The summit is also expected to produce a joint statement outlining plans for talks in other key sectors, including energy cooperation, fisheries, food regulations, and mobility programs for young people.
Since leaving the EU in 2020 following the 2016 referendum, the UK has faced both economic and geopolitical headwinds, particularly as global trade has been impacted by past U.S. tariff policies and uncertainty around America’s security commitments to allies.
Starmer’s administration was elected with a promise to revitalize the British economy, a task made more difficult by global trade disruptions. As part of these efforts, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is visiting Washington for discussions with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. She has emphasized that the UK won’t compromise its regulatory standards in areas like food and automobiles but is open to reducing trade barriers with the U.S.
However, navigating trade talks remains delicate. For example, while the U.S. might push for better access for agricultural goods that align with British standards, the UK is wary of upsetting domestic farmers or hindering closer food policy alignment with the EU. Lowering tariffs on American vehicles is also on the table.
While in Washington, Reeves also engaged with European finance officials and called for enhanced defence collaboration during side meetings at the International Monetary Fund and World Bank gatherings.
Britain is also hoping to take part in the EU’s 150 billion euro defence fund, both to allow UK firms such as BAE Systems to compete for contracts and to launch joint military projects with EU countries.
Earlier this year, Starmer expressed interest in boosting cooperation in several areas, including military mobility, technology development, industrial partnerships, and safeguarding against sabotage.
One area of potential friction involves proposed plans to allow greater freedom of movement for young Europeans to live and work in the UK—a policy that could clash with Brexit supporters concerned about immigration. Still, some in the Labour Party support the idea, with over 60 MPs urging ministers to pursue a youth visa arrangement for citizens under 30 from both regions.
