The EU and UK are bargaining over the entry fee for the 15 billion euro European Defense Fund
Europe - The EU and UK are negotiating over the entry fee for the European Defense Fund, which totals 15 billion euros, with London's entrance fee becoming the focal point of the negotiations.
EU officials said on Wednesday that Brussels is asking the UK to pay up to 6.5 billion euros in fees to ensure that UK weapon manufacturers can participate more favorably in the program.
After years of intense negotiations, the UK left the EU in 2020, and it seems to be concerned about this entrance fee and is seeking a more favorable agreement.
Facing Russia's four-year-long aggression in the Ukraine war, European countries are racing to strengthen their military forces.
The "Security, Finance, and Environment Fund" (SAFE) program launched by Brussels earlier this year will provide 15 billion euros in loans to EU member states, guaranteed by the European Central Bank.
EU member states currently have an obligation to use the funds for weapons made at least 65% in the EU.
If the UK joins the program, this percentage will be reduced - meaning that UK companies may gain more benefits from it.
"Such a deal would indeed bring significant economic and business opportunities for the UK," said a European Commission spokesperson.
The EU spokesperson said that the European Commission has informed London that if the program does not bring substantial profits for UK companies as expected, the European Commission may reassess the membership fee in the future.
He said, "The European Commission will continue to negotiate vigorously."
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1848626737563651/
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