British forces could once again find themselves under EU command, according to a leaked draft of a new security and defence partnership between the UK and the European Union.
The proposal, seen by The Telegraph, outlines a framework for the UK to participate in EU-led military operations and civilian missions, with British troops potentially deployed “upon the invitation of the EU.” The plan is reportedly the centrepiece of an upcoming UK-EU summit, scheduled to take place in London on 19 May.
The document suggests that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will need to consider allowing British servicemen and women to take part in EU missions as part of a wider agreement that would also allow UK defence firms to access lucrative European contracts.
Participation in EU missions is described as a key condition for entry into the bloc’s new Security Action for Europe (Safe) fund, an ambitious initiative aimed at raising €150 billion through the EU budget to purchase weapons from defence manufacturers in eligible countries.
According to the leaked draft, “signing up to the deal is the first prerequisite for a third country to be able to participate in” the Safe programme. The document makes it clear that only countries that have entered into a formal security and defence agreement with the EU would qualify.
Brussels is expected to use Britain’s interest in joining the fund as leverage to secure UK involvement in future EU operations, signalling a potential shift in post-Brexit defence alignment.
The initiative comes amid growing momentum in Brussels to strengthen European military capabilities. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently declared that the EU is entering “an era of re-armament”, pledging to dramatically increase defence spending across the bloc.
Speaking last month, von der Leyen said: “Europe is ready to massively boost its defence spending. Both to respond to the short-term urgency to support Ukraine, but also the long-term need for more responsibility for our own European security.”
EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas is said to have led efforts to draft the new partnership agreement, which lays out areas for closer UK-EU cooperation on defence, security, and foreign policy.
The 19 May summit is also expected to address economic and trade issues, following recent trade deals between the UK and partners including the United States and India.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has expressed support for reducing trade barriers, stating that such moves would benefit British businesses and consumers alike.
“The UK is an open trading economy,” she said. “Open for trade, open for business, open for investment.”
However, the proposals have drawn criticism from the Conservative Party, with opposition figures warning that the government risks undermining the sovereignty regained through Brexit.
Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, said: “It is thanks to the freedom and sovereignty this country regained from the EU that we have been able to negotiate trade deals with other countries. The Government should be prioritising securing a trade deal with one of the world’s largest economies, not cosying up with Brussels.”
While no final decisions have been made, the leaked draft signals a potential turning point in UK-EU relations, one that could see Britain re-engage with European defence structures, less than a decade after voting to leave them.
