EU, UK Agree on New Defence and Security Cooperation Deal

The European Union and the United Kingdom have agreed on a new defense and security cooperation pact, paving the way for deeper collaboration in military procurement and other strategic areas.

According to Suspilne TV, the agreement was announced during the first official EU–UK summit since Britain’s departure from the bloc.

“This is the first formal summit after the UK’s exit from the EU. It marks a new chapter in our relations — as neighbors, allies, and global partners. We are turning the page with concrete results,” an EU official told Suspilne TV.

The pact covers cooperation on countering hybrid threats, cybersecurity, critical infrastructure protection, and maritime security. It also opens the door for British defense firms to participate in joint EU military procurement programs.

Politico reports that while British firms will be eligible to take part in some procurement projects, the UK’s participation in the EU’s SAFE (Support to Ammunition and Firearms Enhancement) program remains under negotiation.

One of the conditions for participation in the program, which the EU has put forward, is a proportional contribution from the UK.

The €150 billion SAFE initiative offers long-term, low-interest loans to EU member states to accelerate defense spending through joint procurement focused on critical capabilities.

The program is part of the EU’s broader ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 framework.

However, eligibility for SAFE funding is limited to defense companies based in the EU or key partner countries.

While firms from Norway, Ukraine, Moldova, South Korea, Japan, Albania and North Macedonia are included, British firms have so far been excluded. One of the EU’s conditions for British participation is a proportional financial contribution.

As part of the broader deal, the EU secured fishing rights for European vessels in UK waters through 2038 — a key concession from London in exchange for access to joint defense programs.

The two sides also agreed to work toward additional agreements in areas including energy, agriculture, labor mobility, migration, and climate cooperation. Notably, plans are underway for the UK to rejoin the EU’s single energy market, aligning with European regulatory standards.

“We will now continue working together to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes in these areas,” the EU official added to Suspilne TV.