Media: France stalls German proposal to include UK and Canada in EU defence pact

A German-led effort to open an EU defense initiative to the UK and Canada is facing strong opposition from France, as the plan sparks tension within the bloc.

The proposal, which would provide EU countries with €150 billion in low-interest loans for defense spending, seeks to include non-EU nations in joint military procurement efforts. However, France has made it clear that it rejects the UK's participation, a position that could delay the implementation of the initiative.

"The French ambassador was quite vocal about this… he warned that would cause delays," said an EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity to Politico. France's opposition stems from its desire to secure more favorable fishing rights in return for a potential UK-EU defense deal, according to multiple sources.

The initiative, known as the Security Action For Europe (SAFE) loan plan, is part of a broader EU defense package designed to stimulate military spending. The plan includes provisions to exempt defense expenditures from EU budget limits and encourage private funding for the defense industry. The most contentious aspect of the proposal is whether non-EU countries like the UK, Canada, and the U.S. would be allowed to participate in joint defense procurement.

Under the initial framework proposed by the European Commission, countries without a formal defense agreement with the EU, such as the UK and Canada, are excluded. Joint procurement under the plan would be limited to countries such as Ukraine, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and those with security and defense partnerships with the EU, or those currently seeking EU membership.

A coalition of about 10 EU countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden, has expressed support for extending the joint procurement scheme to include the UK and Canada. “We all agree on what should be done: more openness. But there are different approaches on how to get there,” one diplomat explained.

Meanwhile, a smaller group of countries is advocating for greater U.S. involvement in the scheme, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing debate. The outcome of the discussions is yet to be determined, as EU ambassadors continue to grapple with the balance between defense cooperation and the political sensitivities of member states.