UK defence ministers have provided updates on the government’s ongoing engagement with the European Union and NATO allies, including discussions on new defence cooperation mechanisms and potential regional initiatives.
In a written parliamentary response, Defence Minister Al Carns said the Security and Defence Partnership signed with the European Union in May 2025 forms the basis of current cooperation. He described it as “an example of this Government delivering on our manifesto commitments to strengthen European security, support growth and reinforce NATO.”
Carns confirmed that the UK and EU are exploring the possibility of establishing an Administrative Arrangement with the European Defence Agency and are continuing discussions on the UK’s participation in the EU’s Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) project on military mobility. He said officials are “in discussions with the EU to identify practical ways to advance cooperation in these areas” and stressed that any UK contribution “will ensure value for taxpayers and support defence goals.”
In a separate written answer, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the UK is taking forward discussions on a bilateral participation agreement with the EU under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument, aimed at strengthening Europe’s shared defence industrial base.
“In order to effectively deter against increased aggression, we need to strengthen our shared defence industrial base to ensure Europe is able to secure the critical capabilities needed at the necessary speed, scale and value for money,” Pollard said. He added that the government would only agree to an arrangement if it provided clear benefits for the UK and its defence industry.
Pollard said discussions with European partners are continuing and that Parliament would be updated “in due course of progress in the usual ways.”
Separately, responding to a question from Conservative MP Mark Pritchard about the possibility of establishing a NATO naval presence on Greenland’s east coast, Al Carns said NATO’s maritime posture is “determined collectively by Allies rather than through bilateral negotiations.” He added that the UK maintains a close defence relationship with Denmark “including through NATO and the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force.”
