Kaja Kallas: Brussels is still 'traumatised' by Brexit, and talks on Britain's return will not be easy

Kallas: 'step by step'

The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, said that in the short term the United Kingdom should focus on participating in the EU's existing defence structures rather than opening negotiations on returning to the bloc. She was speaking at a meeting with UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting, held ahead of the EU–UK summit on 20 November, Euronews reports.

'Traumatised' by negotiations

According to Kallas, some in the EU are still 'traumatised' by the difficult and often bitter negotiations that followed the UK's decision to leave the union. 'Whatever the people of the UK decide and whatever the negotiating agreement is — there are many people in Brussels traumatised by Brexit,' she said, adding: 'These negotiations will be difficult, and we are not there yet.' At the same time, she stressed that the parties are 'stronger together', but that relations should develop gradually, starting with practical areas of cooperation.

Context: SAFE and the new prime minister

Streeting confirmed that London intends to explore closer defence cooperation with the EU, even though last year the UK declined to take part in the €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence loan programme. It was reported at the time, citing British sources, that London did not join the programme because it had failed to agree with Brussels on an entry fee, which was estimated at €4–6 billion and which, in the view of the British government, did not offer value for money.

The summit and the question of membership

The 20 November summit is attracting particular attention following a pledge by the newly elected UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to rebuild relations with the EU, including cooperation in trade, education, energy and defence. Burnham has also not ruled out negotiations on the country's possible return to the EU as a full member. Euronews notes that, despite Brussels' readiness for closer integration and potentially for negotiations on a return, there is a strong consensus that reopening membership talks would be lengthy and politically divisive — given the divisions within British society and Europeans' own painful experience.

Defence, Ukraine and Made in Europe

Monday's discussions focused on Russia's ongoing aggression in Europe, including hybrid attacks, and on Europe's growing responsibility for military support to Ukraine. Streeting also held talks with the European Commissioner for Defence, Andrius Kubilius, and was later due to meet the German Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, in Berlin the same day. Speaking about the future of Europe's defence industrial base, Streeting said industrial capacity needed to be significantly increased, but warned the EU against protectionism that could undermine its own goals. His remarks were partly aimed at the 'Made in Europe' initiative, which favours European producers, including in the defence sector; the UK remains outside it, as it is no longer part of the EU single market. 'We need to be careful' that this course does not 'turn into suicidal protectionism,' he said. On the possible return of the UK to the EU, Streeting cautioned against getting ahead of the discussion, but called Burnham's decision to reopen the topic 'bold', given the political sensitivity of the issue, adding: 'There is no doubt that leaving the EU has hit our economy, and we are not as strong as we could be.'