The European Union and the United Kingdom plan to sign a defence and safety agreement at the EU-British summit in May, in the face of threats by the president of the United States Donald Trump on reducing support for another NATO associate States “ The Financial Times said, citing unnamed diplomats.
Financial Times wrote on 9 April that British arms and technology companies called in a letter to British Prime Minister Keira Starmer and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen to step up efforts to conclude a fresh safety pact between the authorities in London and Brussels. Representatives of lobbying groups from the aeronautical, technological and industrial sectors in a letter to the UK Prime Minister and the European Commission's head voted to sign the agreement at the EU-British summit on 19 May.
"The EU Ambassadors met on Friday in preparation for the summit (19 May – ed.), and 4 diplomats stated that most capitals called for an agreement on defence and security, in addition to a broader message on geopolitical concerns. The global confusion caused by the Trump administration strengthens the EU's determination to sign a defence and safety pact with Britain, which would let British arms companies to participate in joint arms purchases," the publication states.
According to the newspaper, the European Commission prepared this paper as a prerequisite for Britain's participation in a EUR 150 billion debt strategy for the defence of EU countries. The paper adds that EU countries are besides seeking to conclude 2 agreements with Britain on energy, migration and fisheries.
The Financial Times calls fisheries a "contested issue" for France, Denmark and any another coastal countries of the European Union, which want to hold access to British waters until the current agreement expires in 2026.
Trump repeatedly criticized Europe for its low contribution to NATO's defence capabilities and demanded that all associate States increase defence spending to 5% of GDP, while Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth assured that the United States does not plan to reduce its military presence in Europe.
On 19 March, the European Commission presented a fresh defence strategy "Re-arming Europe". Later, the name of the paper was changed to a little aggressive "Readiness 2030" due to the protest of many EU countries. The "Readiness 2030" strategy envisages raising around €800 billion over 4 years. Most of the funds are to come from the budgets of European countries (approximately 650 billion), another 150 billion will be utilized in the form of loans, while the European Commission will guarantee budgetary loosening for EU countries, and will besides channel funds for regional improvement into military spending. In addition, "Readiness 2030" foresees an increase in European Union defence spending of 1.5% of GDP.
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Media: EU and UK will sign a defence agreement at the summit in May
