UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has indicated that British forces might contribute to EU military efforts in the Western Balkans under a new defense and security agreement between the UK and the European Union.
Lammy shared these remarks during a conversation with journalists.
The agreement, signed on Monday, enables British officials to attend select EU ministerial meetings and allows UK armed forces to join European military exercises and missions.
In response to a question about specific engagements, Lammy referenced his recent visits to Serbia, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, voicing alarm over threats to the Dayton Accords. “We want to work closely with our European partners in this region,” the UK Foreign Secretary said.
He noted that British troops are already involved in NATO peacekeeping efforts in Kosovo and stressed the importance of coordination with the alliance, saying “it is extremely important that we are able to complement NATO.”
The newly signed pact outlines cooperation on a range of security issues, including countering hybrid threats, enhancing cybersecurity, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and ensuring maritime security.
It also permits UK participation in EU joint defense procurement initiatives.
