EU Advances New Military Agreement with the United Kingdom

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Following Brexit (the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union (EU)), the EU and the UK, whose relations have become strained, are reportedly set to pursue a new military cooperation agreement.

According to the British media outlet The Times on the 17th (local time), UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is scheduled to meet Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte at his residence to discuss a proposed defense and security agreement between the UK and the EU.

Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, who oversees the EU's foreign policy, stated the day before that EU member states' foreign and defense ministers will strengthen defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Last year, Prime Minister Johnson refused defense negotiations with the EU, but The Times analyzed that the situation has changed following the completion of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan at the end of last month.

A diplomatic source said, "Afghanistan has become a catalyst for further discussions on European defense cooperation," adding, "They are trying to include the UK as much as possible."

He continued, "Since Brexit, European leaders have not had sufficient contact with Prime Minister Johnson," and added, "There is a need to cooperate with the UK."

European countries including the Netherlands and France support cooperation with the UK to overcome dependence on the US in cases of emergencies such as air transport, evacuation of their nationals, and humanitarian aid.

There is also background tension between the US and the UK surrounding the Afghanistan situation.

UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace expressed concerns related to the US withdrawal in a BBC interview last month, stating, "I feel uncomfortable that the West's resolve is perceived to have weakened by our main enemies" regarding the Afghanistan situation.

Historically, the Netherlands has played a so-called "bridge" role in relations between the UK, France, Germany, and the EU.

Two weeks ago, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, France.