"The door to greater UK participation was pushed open in May when Keir Starmer and von der Leyen signed an EU-UK security and defence partnership. Without this pact, the UK could never supply more than 35% of the value of components of any Safe-funded project. Yet the UK still needs to negotiate a technical agreement to secure a bigger role for its defence firms, and the EU could impose limits on British participation."
"The limits on British inputs were suggested during internal meetings as EU member states prepare a negotiating mandate for the European Commission before talks with Keir Starmer's government. The UK and commission will negotiate the cost and terms of British entry into Safe in the coming weeks, but first the EU needs unanimity on its position. A large majority of member states oppose restrictions on UK participation, as they want flexibility over defence procurement."
France proposed limiting the share of British-produced military components to 50% in projects financed through the EU's 150bn Security Action for Europe (Safe) loans scheme. The Safe fund forms part of an EU effort to boost defence spending and re-arm the continent. A May EU-UK security and defence partnership raised the UK cap above 35%, but a technical agreement and a joining fee remain to be negotiated. EU member states must agree a negotiating mandate before talks; many oppose restrictions, while France promotes a more autonomous European defence industry since Brexit.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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