The news
Britain and Germany will sign a new security deal on Wednesday, a move that could help pave the way for closer military ties between the European Union and London.
The deal is one of the most significant achievements yet of the recently elected Labor government’s European ‘reset’.
The agreement “secures an unprecedented level of new cooperation with the German armed forces and industry,” British Defense Secretary John Healey said in a statement.
The deal will allow British and German forces to hold joint military exercises on NATO’s eastern flank, boost the development of new weapons and strengthen cooperation in supplying more equipment to Ukraine. Britain and Germany will also work together to protect crucial underwater cables in the North Sea and improve Europe’s air defense systems.
“With projects in the air, land, sea and cyber domains, we will jointly increase our defense capabilities and thereby strengthen the European pillar within NATO,” said Healey’s German counterpart, Boris Pistorius.
The Germany deal is seen in London as the “first steps” toward a security pact with the European Union, The Times reported. British officials have reportedly said they want to start these negotiations next spring. Meanwhile, Britain is also seeking closer cooperation with the EU on energy, healthcare and climate change.
