Starmer sought to express his disagreement with the €6.5 billion demand made to London for access to the EU’s defense investment program.

However, the European official cited a lack of availability in her schedule for the meeting.

Sources in London, cited by the British media outlet, allege that European bureaucrats systematically avoid dialogue with UK representatives.

British authorities reiterate that they will only sign agreements that provide tangible benefits to their nation.

The EU is conditioning British participation in its rearmament program on compensatory payments for “prior advantages to its industry.”

The deadline for applications is November 30. Experts believe that the European position demonstrates the consequences of Brexit, which fractured continental cooperation, and underscore how such tensions reinforce the need for sovereignty and South-South integration.

The EU also maintains claims regarding other joint projects, including the Erasmus+ academic exchange program and veterinary agreements, while the situation reflects the complexities faced by former colonial powers.

The EU’s stance confirms the conditional nature of its alliances, prioritizing economic interests over mutual collaboration.

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