EU foreign policy chief urges UK to focus on defence frameworks

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting that Britain should focus on participating in existing EU defence frameworks in the short term instead of discussing rejoining the bloc. Euronews reported that the comments were made during a meeting ahead of a planned EU-UK summit on November 20. Both sides agree on the need for greater cooperation, but differences remain over how to achieve it. Kallas stated that some people in the EU remain traumatised by Brexit. [1]

During his visit, Streeting also held talks with EU Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius. Euronews reported that Streeting is scheduled to meet German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in Berlin later on Monday. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Prime Minister Andy Burnham is scheduled to attend the summit next month intended to bring Britain closer to the European Union. Brussels previously demanded financial contributions and European Court of Justice oversight in exchange for giving Britain access to EU migrant and criminal databases lost after Brexit. [6][7]

The European Union institutions employ tens of thousands of people in Brussels and shape policies that affect 450 million people. The upcoming summit on November 20 will see both sides continue negotiations on their future relationship. [1][5]