Fish before firepower? Brexit fishing row risks shutting UK out of EU defence plans
A post-Brexit row over fishing quotas could have serious consequences for the UK's future in European defence.
In the run-up to a major UK-EU summit in London next month tensions are rising – not over weapons but fish.
Several EU member states, notably France, are reportedly demanding long-term access to UK fishing waters as a precondition for deeper defence collaboration.
When Britain left the European Union, it also exited the Common Fisheries Policy, ending the system that allowed EU vessels to fish freely across shared waters.
The UK reclaimed full control over its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), stretching up to 200 nautical miles from its shores.
To avoid immediate chaos, a temporary post-Brexit agreement was struck, allowing EU boats continued access to UK waters.
That deal is set to expire next summer and, after that, the UK could theoretically block all EU fishing.
That's caused alarm in countries like France, Belgium and the Netherlands, where coastal communities depend heavily on UK waters for their fishing industries.
What does it mean for UK defence?
The EU has launched an ambitious military-industrial initiative: the European Defence Industrial Strategy, a €150bn plan to strengthen Europe's defence sector, boost tech innovation and reduce reliance on the US.
The UK has a lot to gain from being part of it.
But without a formal agreement, Britain could be shut out, losing both funding and influence over Europe's defence direction.
At a time when the threat from Russia is sharpening and transatlantic ties could become less predictable, regaining a seat at the EU defence table is strategically vital for the UK.
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