Starmer to propose joint European defense initiative at Munich conference

Friday 13 February 2026 - 12:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Starmer to propose joint European defense initiative at Munich conference

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to use the Munich Security Conference this weekend to advocate for a new multinational defense initiative among Western allies aimed at coordinating joint weapons procurement and lowering the costs of rearmament, according to the Financial Times.

Starmer is expected to outline the proposal in private meetings with European leaders, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron, during talks scheduled for Friday afternoon in Munich. He will then deliver a speech on Saturday detailing his broader vision for the future of European defense and security cooperation.

The proposal follows the collapse in November of the United Kingdom’s attempt to join the European Union’s flagship defense loan instrument, known as Security Action for Europe, or SAFE. The 150 billion euro program allows the EU to raise funds collectively on capital markets and offer loans at cost to member states for defense projects.

Negotiations broke down over the financial contribution required for British participation. The European Commission reportedly sought payments of up to 6.75 billion euros from London, a figure the UK government deemed unacceptable. Britain countered with an offer of 82 million euros plus administrative costs, which Brussels rejected.

Earlier this week, EU defense ministers approved the first 38 billion euros in disbursements to eight member states, marking the operational launch of the SAFE mechanism. Starmer has indicated that his government could consider taking part in a possible second phase of the loan program, which the Commission is examining in response to strong demand from member governments.

The renewed push for deeper European defense cooperation comes amid heightened concerns about Russia and uncertainty over future US security commitments under President Donald Trump. European allies have faced sustained pressure from Washington to raise defense spending, with NATO members agreeing at last year’s summit in The Hague to aim for military expenditures equivalent to 5 percent of gross domestic product within a decade.

UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has expressed interest in exploring a European defense financing mechanism capable of issuing joint debt to fund collective arms purchases, an idea advanced by the Brussels based think tank Bruegel. Under such a framework, jointly financed weapons could be stockpiled while the associated debt remains off participating countries’ national balance sheets.

The Munich Security Conference, taking place from February 13 to 15, is expected to bring together more than 60 heads of state and government along with around 100 foreign and defense ministers. The gathering unfolds against a backdrop of strained transatlantic relations. Merz is scheduled to open the conference on Friday afternoon, with Macron set to close the first day’s proceedings with an evening address.