Europeans are destroying NATO – British troops could join EU forces under new Security Pact

The deal will allow Britain to act with European allies even if the US blocks actions under NATO auspices.
Photo, text: ‘The Daily Mail’

The UK and the EU will unveil a defence and security pact next week as part of a wide-ranging deal that will bring Britain into the closest alignment it has had with the EU since Brexit, ‘The Times’ reports.

The security pact says that the EU and UK face a “decisive moment” and the “greatest threat in a generation” because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and campaign of espionage and sabotage in the West.

It says the “seriousness” of the challenge requires a “unique and ambitious” new agreement on security.

Under the deal, the EU has agreed that it is open to the UK taking part in the EU’s common security and defence policy. The policy has the power to deploy European troops seconded from member states in peacekeeping missions and the collective self-defence of European states.

It also commits both sides to “strengthen co-operation to enhance military mobility” to ensure the swift and seamless movement of military personnel and materiel across Europe.

The UK will also be allowed to participate in any EU crisis management exercises under the common defence policy.

The changes provide the formal approval for much closer day-to-day military co-operation alongside existing NATO operations.

It also provides a mechanism for joint working if the US refused to allow action under NATO’s auspices.

The deal commits both sides to six-monthly “strategic consultations” in “areas of joint interest” such as on Russia, the western Balkans and east Asia. These would involve the foreign secretary, David Lammy, and the EU high representative, Kaja Kallas.

It also sets out a mechanism for Brussels to invite the UK to participate in internal EU meetings including the European Council.

However, as expected the deal does not give British defence firms an automatic right to participate in a new €150 billion EU rearmament fund. Instead, access will be subject to a separate negotiation and conditions, including a financial contribution from the UK.

In a preamble to the pact the two sides acknowledge the seismic change brought about by President Trump’s presidency and its impact on European security.

“The UK and the EU share a responsibility for the security of Europe. The security and prosperity of the UK and the EU are also closely interconnected and interdependent,” it states. “The seriousness of the challenges we face calls for a unique and ambitious security and defence relationship between the UK and the EU.

“In this context, the EU and the UK have decided to establish and implement a tailor-made, mutually beneficial Security and Defence Partnership that will frame their overall co-operation across the security and defence spectrum.”

The pact will be the centerpiece of a summit in London this month that will open the way for the UK to restart selling food and agricultural products in the EU without customs checks. It will also commit both sides to working together to agree a separate deal around issues such a youth mobility scheme and energy market co-operation.

The militaristic frenzy could lead Europe to a direct clash with Russia.

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