Discussions between Starmer and von der Leyen on a defense partnership

London – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met Thursday in London with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss an agreement that could allow the United Kingdom to participate in a European military program.

“We will discuss the development of a strategic partnership agreement on security and defense, which could pave the way for joint orders and the UK’s participation in our +Safe+ program,” Ursula von der Leyen said at Downing Street before her meeting with the Labour leader.

Such an agreement could benefit defense companies across the Channel, such as BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce.

In the face of the Russian threat and the risk of American disengagement, the EU has designed the “Safe” mechanism, which provides for loans of 150 billion euros and aims to jointly finance purchases and investment projects in Europe related to defense.

The UK’s participation is subject to the signing of a security partnership agreement. (April 24, 2025)