UK–EU Defence and Security Partnership: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead
The discussion focused on progress made so far and the challenges that still lie ahead in shaping a new framework for UK–EU collaboration in security and defence.
On 5 May 2025, the Institute for European Policymaking at Bocconi University hosted a roundtable in Brussels to assess the state of negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union on a comprehensive security and defence partnership.
The event took place against the backdrop of recent geopolitical developments, notably the ongoing war in Ukraine and evolving transatlantic dynamics, which have lent renewed urgency to discussions on EU–UK cooperation.
Chaired by Professor Eleanor Spaventa, the session brought together leading experts including Professor Sir Alan Dashwood KC, Sir Jonathan Faull, and Sir Julian King.
The discussion focused on progress made so far and the challenges that still lie ahead in shaping a new framework for UK–EU collaboration in security and defence.
Participants addressed a range of questions central to the future of the partnership, including:
- The level of political determination on both sides to build an ambitious and durable partnership, and the existence of potential “red lines” in the negotiations.
- The desired scope of the partnership, including possible extensions to foreign policy coordination and cooperation on transnational threats such as terrorism, irregular migration, and people smuggling.
- The institutional architecture required to support sustained cooperation, including whether mechanisms could be created to allow the UK to contribute ideas to EU Council discussions on foreign, security and defence policy.
- The barriers to UK participation in EU instruments aimed at strengthening the European defence industry, and whether elements linked to the single market (e.g. procurement, competition, standardisation) can be addressed outside the EU Treaty framework.
- The implications of this partnership for NATO: whether it could complicate existing structures or support the Alliance’s adaptation to new security realities.
The event offered a timely opportunity for structured reflection on the prospects and policy choices involved in the development of a renewed UK–EU security relationship.
IEP@BU does not express opinions of its own. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors. Any errors or omissions are the responsibility of the authors.
