Franco-German Council Plans Enhanced Defense Cooperation

European nations are intensifying defense and security cooperation in response to ongoing geopolitical threats, particularly from Russia. France and Germany have announced the creation of a joint defense security council to strengthen their alliance and boost defense investments. Meanwhile, the UK and the EU are preparing to sign a landmark defense pact at their upcoming summit, signaling a new era of collaboration after Brexit, with plans for regular security talks and potential UK participation in EU military missions. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has emphasized the importance of closer UK-EU security ties, highlighting joint efforts to support Ukraine and defend against aggression. Finland and Luxembourg have also discussed enhancing European defense independence and deepening bilateral and economic cooperation. Collectively, these moves reflect a broader European strategy to reinforce collective security amid shifting transatlantic relations and global instability.