Member-only story
The Imminent Reset of the UK — EU Defense Cooperation
It is the right time to join forces and face the day’s challenges together
The return of Donald Trump to the White House has led to further questions regarding the United States’ commitment to European security and has reignited concerns among European nations about their ability to defend themselves. This has led to complications in formulating a unified response to these challenges. Most EU countries are understandably keen to maintain the US’s involvement in European security. One method of doing so is by increasing their purchase of American weapons. Another option is to allow third countries to participate in EU defense industrial programs. In these circumstances, the UK’s role in strengthening the EU’s military capabilities and enhancing co-operation in other related areas could become crucial.
According to the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House), Trump’s re-election coincided with a period of significant challenges for the European defense industrial base. European countries were just beginning to take more seriously the challenge of ensuring their own security without depending on other nations.
