HR/VP Kallas holds first EU–UK Foreign and Security Policy Dialogue

On 22 October, High Representative/Vice President (HRVP) Kaja Kallas met with the UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Defence Secretary John Healey in London. This was the first high level Foreign and Security Policy Dialogue under the EU–UK Security and Defence Partnership.

At a time of significant geopolitical challenges, this Dialogue marked a milestone in deepening the EU and UK partnership on foreign, security and defence policy, confirming the shared commitment to strengthen coordination and practical cooperation. It allowed both sides to take stock of progress and identify further opportunities for cooperation, to be taken forward by the upcoming Security and Defence Dialogue.

What was discussed?

In discussions with her UK counterparts, the HRVP exchanged views on key geopolitical developments, including Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East and Gaza, Iran, and China. The meeting provided an opportunity to highlight the EU-UK partnership as an important element in strengthening the European security architecture and enhancing support to Ukraine. It also allowed for an exchange on respective security and defence initiatives and for advancing the operational implementation of the Security and Defence Partnership, in key areas of mutual interest.

EU-UK Security and Defence Partnership

The Security and Defence Partnership was concluded in May 2025 at the first EU-UK Summit. It came at a pivotal time for European and global security, amid Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine and growing geopolitical instability. It reflects a shared commitment to deeper cooperation in the face of common threats. Thanks to this Partnership, there is now a structured, forward-looking framework for EU–UK dialogue and cooperation across wide range of peace, security and defence areas, from crisis management and maritime security to cyber resilience and hybrid threats. It also enables possible UK participation in specific EU initiatives and reflects the shared determination to strengthen European security and address common threats together.

Partnership with the UK includes:

• Six monthly Foreign and Security Policy Dialogues between the HR and the UK Foreign and Defence Secretaries
• Strategic consultations in thematic and geographic areas of joint interest
• Annual Security and Defence Dialogue, as well as the possibility for mutual invitations to high level meetings.

Implementation of the Partnership is already advancing with the first three Strategic Consultations held in September 2025 on Russia and Ukraine, the Western Balkans, and Hybrid Threats, which deepened exchanges and paved the way for more operational cooperation.