BRUSSELS — A crucial defense and security pact under negotiation between the U.K. and the EU is at risk of collapse unless Labour leader Keir Starmer agrees to make concessions on fishing rights, warns a senior EU politician.
Jessica Rosencrantz, Sweden’s EU affairs minister, emphasized the urgency of advancing a formal security agreement with the U.K., particularly amid rising tensions related to the War in Ukraine as countries swiftly re-arm. Both sides are eyeing a summit in May as a potential milestone for signing a preliminary agreement.
In an interview with POLITICO, Rosencrantz indicated that EU member states are unlikely to endorse a security deal with the U.K. unless negotiations also address other sensitive matters, including access to British waters for European fishing fleets. She noted that resolving fishing-related issues would foster trust between London and Brussels.
“It’s imperative for the EU and U.K. to collaborate on defense and security,” said Rosencrantz. “There are indeed other sensitive matters for many member states that must also be addressed, with fisheries being a significant one.”
When asked if completing a defense pact could precede discussions on fishing rights, she replied, “We must find a path that allows us to progress on both fronts. It’s essential to advance the defense partnership, but for many countries, resolving these sensitive issues is equally important. Therefore, steps must be taken regarding fisheries and other topics.”
While officials have hinted that France is particularly focused on obtaining more favorable fishing rights in exchange for a renewed U.K.-EU relationship, it is uncommon for a high-ranking European figure to publicly connect the defense pact with fishing rights.
Reset in Relations
The fishing rights issue complicated the negotiations surrounding Britain’s exit from the EU and strained relations between London and Paris, especially during Boris Johnson’s tenure as U.K. prime minister, characterized by frequent clashes with French President Emmanuel Macron.
British officials had hoped Starmer’s initiative for a “reset” in relations with the EU would yield quick results in security and defense, given the U.K.’s respected military capabilities across Europe and its nuclear arsenal, making such an alliance appealing.
However, numerous officials involved in the negotiations report that progress has stalled due to the fishing rights question and other issues such as a proposed youth mobility scheme and border policies for Gibraltar. Ongoing negotiations aim to finalize a plan to present at a summit in the U.K. between Starmer and EU leaders on May 19.
The shift in U.S. President Donald Trump’s approach to European security and the EU’s intention to enhance its own defense industry have further complicated discussions concerning a British agreement.
Brussels has suggested a €150 billion loan program for EU governments to invest in rearmament, proposing that funds be used to “buy more European” as outlined by Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president.
Without a formal defense agreement with the EU, the U.K. risks exclusion from this financial scheme. If an agreement is reached, European governments will have the flexibility to utilize these funds to procure British-made weapons and equipment.
“We want the U.K. to be included in this initiative,” said Rosencrantz. “We share a mutual interest and responsibility; we agree on the necessity of supporting Ukraine and enhancing our defense capabilities. Collaborative efforts would be highly beneficial.”
