The European Union and the United Kingdom are set to formalize a security and defence partnership agreement on May 19, 2025, in London. This agreement signifies a strengthened alliance amidst growing global security concerns and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Key Aspects of the Pact
The core objective of this pact is to establish a structured framework that promotes meaningful cooperation across all facets of security and defence. It will facilitate consistent political dialogue and formal consultation mechanisms, enhancing oversight, intelligence sharing, and collaborative strategic planning. British representatives will be invited to high-level EU meetings, including Council sessions and the Schuman Security and Defence Forum.
The agreement aims to enable more frequent security discussions and potential British participation in EU military missions. London may also gain access to the EU's 150-billion-euro defence fund, known as the Security Action for Europe (SAFE). This fund is designed to help member states invest in critical defence areas such as missile defence, cyber security and drone technology.
The defence agreement will be accompanied by documents addressing a shared global vision and advancements in customs, energy, and youth mobility. EU ambassadors are scheduled to deliberate on the drafts in Brussels before granting final approval.