London deepens security dialogue with Brussels ahead of UK-EU summit

Foreign Secretary heads to EU Foreign Ministers meeting to highlight the need for a new, ambitious security relationship. David Lammy will attend attends high-level Gymnich EU talks in Poland.

The meeting takes place days ahead of  the UK-EU Summit on 19th May, which aims to address various UK-EU matters and promote a stable, constructive, and forward-looking relationship.  

The UK is continuing to deepen its engagement with Europe, emphasizing the need for a renewed and ambitious security partnership, as Foreign Secretary David Lammy attends high-level Gymnich EU talks in Poland on 7 May, reads the statement posted on gov.uk.

During the foreign affairs discussions, Lammy will stress the mutual benefits of closer UK-EU cooperation on security and defence and will advocate for unity across Europe to help secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

As the first UK Foreign Secretary to participate in a formal meeting of EU foreign ministers after Brexit in October, Lammy has been working to rebuild and strengthen ties with Europe since taking office.

Building on the recent leader-level meeting between the UK Prime Minister and the President of the European Commission on 24 April in London, Lammy will continue to push for a long-term UK-EU strategic partnership focused on economic growth, public safety, and collective European security and defence.

"We are working hand-in-hand with our European allies to build a safer, more secure, and more prosperous Europe. Together, we will stand firm against aggression, defend our shared values, and deliver lasting peace," - said Foreign Secretary David Lammy.    

"In the face of Russian aggression, NATO’s Eastern Flank has never been more important. We are resolute in defending Europe’s security.  As we mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, this commitment reminds us that our collective defence of freedom and peace in Europe remains as vital today as it was eight decades ago," - he added. 

As part of his visit, the Foreign Secretary will travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. He will meet political leaders to emphasise UK support for domestic action to respond to the ongoing political crisis, including through the formation of a new state-level coalition focused on Euro-Atlantic integration.

He will also visit the EUFOR military base, which is playing a key role in maintaining security in BiH and therefore contributing to regional stability. 

Ongoing instability in the region risks a return to violence and threatens collective security, including through irregular migration and serious and organised crime.

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