Notwithstanding a row over fishing rights, it is becoming increasingly likely that the UK and EU will agree a new Security and Defence Partnership when leaders meet in London for the 19 May Summit.

While both sides are keeping the substance of any potential agreement tightly under wraps, there is a growing consensus in London and Brussels that negotiations are heading towards a deal modelled - at least in part - on the EU-Norway Security and Defence Partnership signed last year. With time short and ambition constrained, it makes sense to build on an existing template - albeit with adjustments to reflect the UK’s unique position. Unlike Norway, the UK currently has no formal security and defence partnership with the EU, meaning any deal would likely need to be more comprehensive to fill that vacuum.

So, what does the Norway agreement involve—and how might it be applied to the UK?

At its core, the agreement provides a structured framework for meaningful cooperation across the full spectrum of security and defence. It introduces regular political dialogue and formal consultation mechanisms to enable oversight, intelligence-sharing, and joint strategic planning—filling a gap that has been starkly evident in UK–EU relations since Britain’s departure from the bloc.

A similar agreement with the UK would see British representatives invited to attend EU high-level meetings where appropriate, including at the Council and at the biannual Schuman Security and Defence Forum. A formal Security and Defence Dialogue would be established to meet annually, supported by regular working-level consultations. This would serve to monitor the implementation of the partnership and guide its development over time.

The agreement would outline practical areas of cooperation ranging from long-term support for Ukraine—including via the European Peace Facility—to crisis management, maritime security, and conflict prevention. It could also pave the way for UK involvement in EU-led crisis management exercises such as Integrated Resolve and MILEX, strengthening operational coordination and shared preparedness.

Crucially, a formal agreement would unlock British access to key EU defence instruments—opening the door to greater industrial cooperation, joint capability development, and funding opportunities. This could include participation in the European Defence Fund, the Act in Support of Ammunition Production, the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act, and the recently announced €150 billion ReArm Europe plan. At a time when defence investment is surging across the continent, securing access to these mechanisms is vital not only for strengthening European security, but also for supporting the UK’s defence industry, maintaining competitiveness, and ensuring British firms are part of the continent’s emerging defence architecture.

Given that the UK does not currently have a structured security and defence relationship with the European Union—unlike many of our NATO allies—a more comprehensive package should include a Framework Participation Agreement to enable the UK to take part in Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions on a case-by-case basis.

Before leaving the EU, the UK played a central role in shaping CSDP operations as one of Europe’s leading military powers. British forces were instrumental in missions such as Operation Atalanta, the anti-piracy operation off the coast of Somalia, which was headquartered in the UK.

As Part of a new Security and Defence Partnership, an Administrative Arrangement should be signed between the UK Ministry of Defence and the European Defence Agency. This would allow the UK to engage with specific projects and programmes under Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) - a key pillar of the EU’s evolving security and defence policy.

A UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership is not just overdue - it is essential. The threats facing Europe are increasingly complex and transnational. From Ukraine to hybrid warfare to global supply chain vulnerabilities, neither the UK nor the EU can afford to go it alone. A structured, mutually beneficial partnership would strengthen Europe’s collective security - and mark an important step towards a more constructive UK-EU relationship.