London (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The UK’s foreign minister will host European counterparts on Monday to discuss support for Ukraine and enhanced regional defence cooperation ahead of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s summit with European Union leaders next week.
As reported, Britain is moving closer to a new defence agreement with the European Union, which officials from both sides believe will enhance post-Brexit relations in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s disruption of security and trade alliances.
According to Britain’s foreign ministry, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy was scheduled to meet with representatives from France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Poland, and the EU.
“We are facing a once-in-a-generation moment for the collective security of our continent,”
Lammy said in a statement.
“The challenge we face today is not only about the future of Ukraine – it is existential for Europe as a whole.”
Lammy planned to announce further sanctions targeting actors supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the statement said. According to the ministry, Lammy plans to use Monday’s meeting to advocate for enhancing European security.
How united are European leaders on Ukraine’s future?
The leaders of the UK, France, Germany, and Poland visited Kyiv on Saturday to support Ukraine’s request for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, with the endorsement of U.S. President Donald Trump. They further warned President Vladimir Putin of “massive” new sanctions if he failed to comply within days. Putin on Sunday proposed direct talks with Ukraine aimed at ending the war.
Will Starmer’s summit reset UK-EU trade ties?
During a summit with EU leaders on May 19, Starmer aims to secure a new defence agreement with the bloc while also enhancing post-Brexit trade relations in the wake of Trump’s disruption of security and trade alliances.
“In a world which seems increasingly unstable with an uncertain future, it is so good that we are working so closely together on so many issues: defence and security… but also on trade and the economy,”
At the beginning of discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Starmer stated that the reset would offer great advantages to both parties sides.
What does von der Leyen expect from the UK?
Von der Leyen commended the “excellent cooperation” between Britain and the EU, with officials from both sides optimistic about reaching a defence agreement during the upcoming summit next month.
Earlier this year, Starmer expressed his desire for closer collaboration in various areas, such as enhancing military mobility and logistics, safeguarding against sabotage, advancing military technology, and strengthening industrial partnerships.
