LONDON
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged European leaders to restart talks on a wide-ranging EU defence pact, signalling a renewed push to deepen security cooperation between the United Kingdom and the European Union as geopolitical tensions continue to rise.
Speaking during a diplomatic engagement this week, Starmer said it was “common sense” for Britain and the EU to work more closely on defence, arguing that the security challenges facing Europe can no longer be addressed in isolation. His comments come months after negotiations on the UK’s participation in the EU’s flagship defence funding scheme collapsed over financial and political disagreements.
At the centre of the debate is the EU’s proposed Security Action for Europe, or SAFE, initiative, a multi-billion-euro plan designed to accelerate defence investment, joint procurement, and military capability across the bloc. Talks between London and Brussels on British involvement stalled in late 2025, with EU member states, particularly France, seeking clearer commitments on funding and governance.
Starmer said those talks should now be revisited, stressing that Europe faces a “new era of risk” driven by the war in Ukraine, growing instability on the continent’s borders, and uncertainty over the future direction of U.S. security policy. He noted that while the UK has increased defence spending and remains a leading NATO member, closer coordination with European partners would strengthen collective deterrence.
The prime minister’s remarks form part of his broader effort to reset relations with Brussels following years of strain after Brexit. Since taking office, Starmer has prioritised rebuilding trust with EU leaders, culminating in a UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership agreed last year. That framework established regular dialogue on foreign policy, defence, and strategic planning, but stopped short of full UK participation in EU defence funds.
European officials have responded cautiously but positively to Starmer’s latest call. Diplomats say there is growing recognition on both sides of the Channel that cooperation is increasingly necessary, especially as European governments seek to boost defence production and reduce reliance on external suppliers. Germany and several southern European states are said to be open to renewed discussions, while France remains firm that any agreement must ensure fair financial contributions.
The issue has gained urgency amid concerns that future U.S. administrations could scale back their security commitments to Europe. Starmer has repeatedly warned that Europe must be prepared to shoulder more responsibility for its own defence, calling for stronger coordination on spending, training, and industrial capacity.
At home, the proposal has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters say renewed defence talks reflect pragmatic leadership in a dangerous world and do not undermine Britain’s sovereignty. Critics, however, caution that closer alignment with EU defence structures could blur the lines set by Brexit and limit Britain’s strategic independence.
Downing Street officials insist that any future agreement would be based on UK national interests and would not involve re-joining the EU or its political institutions. Instead, they describe the effort as a practical response to shared threats, focused on cooperation where it delivers clear benefits.
As discussions continue behind the scenes, Starmer’s call has put defence cooperation firmly back on the UK-EU agenda. Whether it leads to formal participation in EU defence programmes or a looser framework of collaboration, the direction of travel appears clear: London is seeking a closer security relationship with Europe at a time when unity is increasingly seen as essential.
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