SAFE is meant to kick-start a European security renaissance, provide independence from the U.S. and give the continent the tools to defend itself against Russian aggression.
The EU wants the U.K., with its large defense industry, in the tent. Britain wants in too — predicting benefits for its industry and its security. But so far, they’ve not been able to agree about cash.
London has balked at the high price tag Brussels is demanding — ranging from €2 billion to €6.5 billion, but London is offering much less.
While details on the alternative models being discussed are still sketchy, one idea is that the U.K. may be able to avoid the ‘sticker shock’ of a high upfront price by signing up to a more ‘pay as you go’ approach that depends on the ultimate level of U.K. participation.
It might just be what’s needed to get an agreement over the line. Both sides want a deal by Sunday so that the U.K. is in the room before EU member countries submit their spending plans to the Commission on the same day.
Under SAFE, outside countries can only account for a maximum of 35 percent of the value of a weapons system, but the U.K. is negotiating for a higher percentage.