EU Unveils €150B Arms Plan, UK-EU Reset Pact

The EU has launched a landmark €150 billion loans-for-arms program to boost its defense capacity, enabling joint military procurement by member states and prioritizing contracts for EU and selected partner nations, with limited access for non-EU partners such as Ukraine. This move marks a significant shift toward European strategic autonomy amid security concerns over Russia and uncertainty about US support for NATO. At the same time, the UK and EU have agreed to a comprehensive post-Brexit cooperation package, including a new security and defense pact, streamlined food trade, expanded e-Gate travel access, simplified pet passports, and a 12-year fisheries agreement. The new deals aim to improve economic and border management ties. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's pursuit of deeper cooperation has received mixed reactions within the UK. The EU is also working to expand defense partnerships globally, including with Australia.