London – Negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union regarding the UK’s participation in the European Defence Fund (EDF) have collapsed, the British government announced Friday. This breakdown represents a significant setback to efforts aimed at recalibrating relations between London and Brussels following Brexit. The EDF is a key initiative intended to bolster the continent’s defense capabilities.
British Minister for European Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, stated: “While it is disappointing that we could not conclude discussions regarding UK participation in the first round of the European Defence Fund, the UK defence industry will still be able to participate in projects through the Fund under third-country terms.”
He added, “Negotiations were conducted in good faith, but our position has always been clear: we will only sign up to agreements that serve the national interest and provide value for money.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously heralded a “new era” in UK-EU relations back in May, following an agreement to reset defense and trade ties. This agreement had paved the way for the UK to negotiate joining the $173 billion fund, designed to support the rearmament of Europe.
However, just two days before the deadline to conclude the talks, the UK government determined that reaching an agreement was not possible. A key sticking point reportedly involved the Fund’s stipulations regarding the origin of components used in defense projects. Under the EDF’s terms, supply contracts must ensure that the cost of components originating from outside the EU, or from other participating countries such as Ukraine, does not exceed 35% of the total cost.
The collapse of these talks raises questions about the future of UK-EU cooperation on defense matters and the broader implications for their relationship.
