British soldiers could fight alongside their European counterparts in the face of Russian aggression under a landmark deal, leaked documents seen by the "Times" newspaper reveal, BNR reported.
The UK and the EU will present a defence and security pact this week as part of a wide-ranging deal that will give Britain its closest cooperation with the EU since Brexit. The security pact says the EU and UK face a "decisive moment" and "the greatest threat in a generation" due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its campaign of espionage and sabotage in the West. The pact says the "seriousness" The challenge requires a "unique and ambitious" new security agreement.
Under the agreement, the EU has agreed that it is open to the UK's participation in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy. The policy gives powers to deploy European troops seconded by member states in peacekeeping missions and the collective self-defence of European countries. It also commits the two sides to "intensify cooperation to improve military mobility" to ensure the rapid and seamless movement of military personnel and materiel across Europe.
The UK will also be allowed to participate in any EU crisis management exercises under the Common Defence Policy.
The changes provide formal approval for much closer day-to-day military cooperation alongside existing NATO operations. The agreement also provides a mechanism for working together if the US refuses to allow action under the auspices of NATO.
The agreement commits the two countries to six-monthly "strategic consultations" in "areas of common interest" such as Russia, the Western Balkans and East Asia. The consultations will involve British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaia Kallas.
The agreement also establishes a mechanism through which Brussels can invite the UK to participate in internal EU meetings, including the European Council.