Starmer says UK does not have to choose between Europe and US, before meeting EU leaders in Brussels
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for an “ambitious security partnership” with the European Union while maintaining that the UK does not need to choose between its relationships with Europe and the United States.
Speaking ahead of his meeting with EU leaders in Brussels, Starmer emphasized the need for closer UK-EU cooperation on security and defense. His visit marks the first time a British prime minister has attended a European Council meeting since Brexit five years ago.
Starmer outlined his vision for a reinforced UK-EU security pact aimed at strengthening NATO. Addressing concerns over a lack of clarity in the UK’s approach, he detailed key areas the partnership should cover, including military technology, research and development, enhanced mobility of forces across Europe, protection of critical infrastructure, and deeper industrial collaboration to increase defense production.
“We can’t simply be spectators when it comes to peace in Europe,” Starmer told reporters. “We must lead, and that is exactly what I am determined to do.”
Earlier in the day, he met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the alliance’s headquarters. Rutte reiterated the need for member states to increase defense spending beyond the current 2% of GDP target.
Later, during a dinner with European leaders, Starmer pushed for greater UK-EU cooperation in countering state threats and sabotage, citing recent incidents where undersea cables were damaged—believed to be acts of state-sponsored interference from Russia or China.
With French President Emmanuel Macron advocating a “buy European” policy for defense spending, Starmer urged EU leaders not to exclude the UK from such plans. “Fragmentation would weaken us all,” he argued. “Instead, we should leverage our combined industrial strength.”
The prime minister highlighted the UK’s contributions to the European defense sector, pointing to companies like Airbus and Thales. The latter, a French defense firm, employs 7,000 people in the UK. “Their success in Britain strengthens European defense as a whole,” he noted.
Following the dinner, European Council President António Costa welcomed Starmer’s engagement. “Everyone was delighted to have Sir Keir Starmer with us,” he said, describing the UK and EU as “reliable and predictable partners.” Costa also confirmed plans for an EU-UK summit in the UK on May 19 to explore deepening ties.
While the talks signaled a positive step toward stronger ties, several EU member states are pushing for the UK to agree to additional measures, including fishing rights and a youth mobility scheme, as part of a broader reset in relations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen refrained from commenting on the sequencing of these discussions but acknowledged that security cooperation “concerns us all, both inside and outside the EU.”
The leaders’ dinner, lasting about 70 minutes, was held at the Palais d’Egmont in central Brussels—the same venue where former Prime Minister Edward Heath signed the treaty bringing the UK into the European Economic Community in 1972.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who recently expressed hopes for the UK’s eventual return to the EU, said this was a key moment to “get as close as possible again.” Holding the EU’s rotating presidency, Poland played a role in Starmer’s invitation, with Tusk emphasizing the need for closer security ties and reduced trade barriers.
Earlier in the day, EU leaders had held defense talks, though discussions were overshadowed by former US President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on the bloc.
Asked about the possibility of the UK being affected by Trump’s tariff policies, Starmer said it was “early days” but stressed the importance of strong trade relationships. “Open and robust trade relations remain a priority,” he said, adding that he was aware of planned discussions between the US and the EU on the issue.
In response to potential tariffs, UK officials have already prepared retaliatory measures targeting US goods should a trade war emerge.
When asked whether maintaining good relations with Trump would force him to scale back his reset with the EU, Starmer was firm: “We don’t have to choose between them. Both relationships are vital to us, and that has been the UK’s position for decades.”
NATO Secretary General Rutte dismissed concerns over the brewing trade tensions, expressing confidence that NATO would manage any disagreements between the US and its allies. He also dismissed the notion of a European defense structure independent of NATO as “a silly thought” that “wouldn’t work.” Arriving at the Brussels summit, Starmer made it clear that the UK would not be rejoining the EU but emphasized his goal of building a “better, closer relationship” on trade and security.
