UK ‘Disappointed’ as Deal to Access EU Defence Fund Falls Through

The UK said Friday it was “disappointing” talks with Brussels to access a 150-billion-euro ($174 billion) EU scheme to bolster Europe’s defences had failed to reach a deal, after disagreement over the entry fee.

“While it is disappointing that we have not been able to conclude discussions on UK participation in the first round of SAFE, the UK defence industry will still be able to participate in projects through SAFE on third-country terms,” said EU relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds.

The EU Commission said its negotiators had engaged in the “intense” talks “constructively and in good faith”, and also noted that Britain can still participate in up to 35 percent of SAFE (Security Action for Europe) procurements. (RSS/AFP)