UK-EU conclude first round of SAFE discussions

Minister for European Union Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, said:

“From leading the Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine to strengthening our relationships with allies, the UK is stepping up on European security in the face of rising threats and remains committed to collaborating with our allies and partners. In the last year alone, we have struck defence agreements across Europe and we will continue this close cooperation.

“While it is disappointing that we have not been able to conclude discussions on UK participation in the first round of SAFE, the UK defence industry will still be able to participate in projects through SAFE on third country terms.

“Negotiations were carried out in good faith, but our position was always clear: we will only sign agreements that are in the national interest and provide value for money.

“We continue to make strong progress on the historic UK-EU May agreement that supports jobs, bills, and borders. In the last fortnight, we have launched negotiations on a food and drink deal and energy deal that will bring down bills and slash red tape for business."