Britain and Europe: New security and defense cooperation after Brexit
Nearly a decade after the historic referendum that led to Britain's exit from the European Union (Brexit) in 2016, relations between London and Brussels are undergoing a significant strategic shift. Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, leaders from both sides emphasized at the Munich Security Conference the need to unite and overcome past differences to confront an increasingly turbulent world, driven by the urgent need to strengthen their shared national security.
Calls to strengthen the strategic partnership
In this context, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Europe and Britain urgently need closer cooperation, not only on economic matters, but also on issues of “security, the economy, and the defense of our democracies.” She added in her address that “the future is more interconnected than ever before,” noting that current challenges necessitate closer ties between the two sides, particularly the United Kingdom, to ensure the stability of the continent.
Historical context and changing priorities
These statements represent a significant shift from the tone adopted in the early years following the triggering of Article 50 and Britain's formal exit from the EU. While the focus previously was on trade barriers, customs protocols, and border disputes, the Russian-Ukrainian war has created a new reality, making security and defense cooperation a top priority that supersedes economic disagreements. Both sides are now working to build a comprehensive security architecture that ensures neither can face threats from the East alone.
Starmer: Hard power is a necessity of the times
For his part, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer adopted a firm tone reflecting his government's new approach of actively engaging in European security. Starmer stated, "We are not at a crossroads: the path ahead is straight and clear. We must build our hard power, because it is the currency of our time." He emphasized the need to be prepared to deter aggression, and even to fight if necessary, calling for the establishment of a "common industrial base across Europe" to bolster defense production. This reflects a British desire to integrate its military and industrial capabilities with its European counterparts to compensate for the gaps left by political separation.
Strengthening NATO and the European role
On the international alliance front, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that a strong Europe within the alliance means strengthening the transatlantic bond to an unprecedented level. This vision resonated with French President Emmanuel Macron, who stated that "this is the right time for a strong Europe" to build its own security architecture, implicitly suggesting the need to reduce total dependence on the United States and enhance European strategic autonomy with active British participation.
