Written question asked by Callum Anderson (Labour) on Friday, 30 May 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 June 2025. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Monday, 9 June 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

EU Countries: Armed Forces

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the UK-EU security and defence partnership on the interoperability of UK armed forces with EU member states.

Answer: The UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership aims to support enhanced interoperability in ways that deliver mutual benefit and reinforce the European contribution to NATO. The Partnership will support and complement our commitment to NATO — which remains the cornerstone of Euro-Atlantic security — and to the UK’s strong bilateral defence relationships with both EU member states and third country allies. It strengthens our ability to act jointly where interests align, while preserving the UK’s strategic autonomy and global defence posture.

Secondary information