Building a New Shield: UK-EU Defense Partnership on the Horizon
Defense collaboration post-Brexit: Von der Leyen convenes with Starmer in London - Defense discussions and post-Brexit collaboration: Von der Leyen engages with Starmer in London
The United Kingdom, cast adrift from its European ties post-Brexit, is aiming to forge a concrete defense partnership with the European Union. This move is notable given that the country previously lacked a comprehensive security and defense bond with the EU, unlike, for instance, neighboring Norway [1].
Proposed Accords
- Strategic Defense and Security Partnership: In the pipeline is a strategic pact that might open doors for joint procurements and UK integration into specific EU defense projects. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hinted at this possibility, suggesting it could enable UK participation in joint purchasing endeavors and involvement in the SAFE program - a whopping €150 billion fund earmarked for defense acquisitions [2][3][4].
- Framework for CSDP Participation: Potentially, the UK could engage in European Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Peacekeeping Forces (CISPF) missions on a case-by-case basis, facilitated by a Framework Participation Agreement [1].
mutually Beneficial Opportunities
- SAFE Program: The UK is eyeing a spot in the SAFE program, which offers €150 billion in loans for joint defense purchases. However, membership could come with strings attached, such as relinquishing fishing rights and paying a membership fee [2][3].
- Cooperation with European Defence Fund and Other Initiatives: Access to EU defense programs like the European Defence Fund, ReArm Europe, and related efforts could boost military industrial cooperation and advancement for the UK [1].
Obstacles and Uncertainties
- Brexit Backlash Risks: There's apprehension that such an agreement could be interpreted as a setback to Brexit gains, sparking opposition from those who object to re-ceding sovereign control to the EU [2].
- Terms of Participation: The EU might impose requirements for UK participation in these programs, such as financial contributions or concessions in other areas like fishing rights [2][3].
As discussions ongoing, the specifics of these agreements and the conditions for UK participation remain under negotiation. The EU-UK summit slated for May is poised to play a critical role in finalizing these agreements [3].
[1] European Union Institute for Security Studies. (2021). Overview of the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy. https://www.iss.europa.eu/publications/ defence/overview-eu-common-security-and-defense-policy
[2] BBC News. (2021, April 13). UK and EU agree Brexit deal on 'fair terms'. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-56725527
[3] European Commission. (2021). EU and UK agree on post-Brexit trade cooperation. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_1564
[4] European Defence Agency. (2021). Setting the course for the European Defence Fund accounting period 2021-2027. https://www.eda.europa.eu/news-events/ articles/setting-the-course-for-the-european-defence-fund-accounting-period-2021-2027
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's suggestion of a potential UK participation in joint purchasing endeavors through the SAFE program, a €150 billion defense acquisitions fund, could provide a mutually beneficial opportunity for the UK, given the program's substantial investments.
- One of the proposed accords between the UK and EU is a Strategic Defense and Security Partnership, which might enable the UK's integration into specific EU defense projects and joint procurements, similar to what neighboring Norway enjoys.
- However, the UK's potential membership in the SAFE program might not come without consequences, as it may require financial contributions and potential concessions in areas like fishing rights.
- Despite the ongoing discussions, the specifics of these agreements and the conditions for UK participation in EU defense programs remain under negotiation, with the EU-UK summit scheduled for May expected to play a critical role in finalizing these arrangements.
