Starmer makes push to join UK to EU defense fund after initial refusal
Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the UK (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is once again seeking to join the European Defense Fund SAFE, despite last year’s failed negotiations, reports Bloomberg.
The SAFE fund (Security Action for Europe), approved by the Free European Community, currently allocates approximately €150 billion ($177 billion) to joint defense projects and military equipment procurement.
Last November, London failed to reach an agreement with Brussels on the terms of participation. The main sticking point was the size of the UK’s contribution to the fund, which ultimately led to the refusal.
Now, Starmer has stated that the UK is once again considering joining the fund if a new phase of the SAFE program is launched and corresponding agreements can be reached to benefit the national defense industry.
According to the British prime minister, European countries need to cooperate more closely on security and armaments, especially amid rising tensions from Russian aggression and uncertainty in relations with the US.
Starmer contrasts his coalition’s current approach with the conservative administrations of his predecessors, emphasizing the aim of deeper UK integration into European defense architecture post-Brexit.
As Bloomberg notes, this move could be part of a broader strategy to reset London’s relationship with Brussels, covering not just defense but also trade, energy, and other areas of cooperation.
About a month ago, Keir Starmer discussed ways to contain Russia in the far north in a phone call with US President Donald Trump.
Additionally, reports indicate that the UK recorded a historic arms export volume in 2025, reaching €22 billion, and the government expects these numbers to grow further next year.
