A centrepiece of the Labour government’s foreign policy is its pledge to reset the UK’s relationship with the European Union (EU). As the UK and the EU move to redefine their relationship post-Brexit, a potential defence and security pact would be the first significant step towards rebuilding trust and cooperation. Mounting geopolitical uncertainty and the EU’s increased involvement in defence have significantly elevated the importance of this cooperation.
A dedicated EU-UK Summit, scheduled for 19 May, provides an opportunity to take a closer look at what a defence and security pact could achieve. What contribution can the pact make to rebuilding UK-EU relations after what David Lammy has described as a “messy divorce”? What can it deliver in practice for defence and security sectors on both ends, and what does it need to cover to contribute effectively to Europe’s security?
Our online panel discussion invites experts on UK-EU relations and defence and security policy to discuss what the UK-EU defence and security pact means for European security; followed by an audience Q&A.
Speakers
- Francesca Grandi, Head of Advocacy, Transparency International Defence and Security (moderator)
- Olivia O’Sullivan, Director, UK in the World Programme, Chatham House
- Carsten Nickel, Managing Director & Deputy Director of Research, Teneo
- Federico Santopinto, Director of Research, Europe Programme, Institute for International and Strategic Affairs (IRIS)
- Gesine Weber, Fellow, Risk and Strategy, German Marshall Fund (GMF)