The current geopolitical landscape and changing attitudes present new avenues for UK-EU foreign and defence policy cooperation. While ad-hoc collaboration has been effective it may not be sustainable long term. Opportunities now exist for more structured engagement.

Building on the foundations laid by the Political Declaration and navigating the TCA, the UK can assert its role as a key player in European security. Opportunities range from participation in PESCO defence projects to involvement in European Defence Agency projects and CSDP missions.

While NATO remains the cornerstone of our defence cooperation, the UK has a weaker foreign and defence partnership with the EU compared to many allies, including the USA and Canada.

With renewed levels of trust, political decisions must drive greater cooperation and coordination in foreign policy between the UK and the EU. This structured engagement will ensure a comprehensive and sustainable UK-EU foreign and defence policy.

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