Despite Brexit, the European Union and the UK are committed to maintaining strong cooperation in security and foreign policy through dialogue and multilateral efforts.

The European Union (EU) has always been more than just a collection of states; it is an experiment in shared sovereignty, where nations pool resources and efforts to achieve what they cannot accomplish alone. This cooperative spirit underpins the EU’s approach to addressing global challenges, from environmental issues to security threats. Yet, with Brexit—the UK’s departure from the EU—this delicate balance has faced a profound test. Britain, historically one of the EU’s most influential members, has chosen a path that separates it from the Union’s framework, yet it remains eager to maintain a strong partnership, particularly in areas critical to global stability, such as security and intelligence.

The EU, currently comprising 27 member states, functions as both a political and economic union. It aims not only to foster prosperity within Europe but also to promote global stability by addressing environmental concerns, upholding human rights, and ensuring security across the continent. Britain’s exit on January 31, 2020, commonly known as Brexit, marked a significant moment in EU history, driven by factors such as rising immigration pressures, security concerns, and economic considerations. However, the end of Britain’s formal membership in the EU does not equate to the end of its cooperation with Europe; rather, it signals a shift in the dynamics of this partnership.

According to scholars like Joseph Nye, Kenneth Waltz, and Immanuel Kant, who are discussed in Peter Hough’s International Security Studies, strong institutions are the foundation of a successful state, far more so than mere military strength or engagement in conflict. The EU embodies this belief through its policies and treaties, such as the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Maastricht Treaty of 1991, which are designed to promote peace through cooperation. These frameworks illustrate the EU’s commitment to resolving conflicts through diplomatic means rather than military force.

Even as the UK steps away from the EU, the Union’s foreign and security policies continue to be guided by principles that transcend borders. The EU places a strong emphasis on the rule of law, the promotion of democracy, and the protection of human rights—not just within its member states, but globally. This commitment was echoed by Michel Barnier, former European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, in a speech at the Institute for Security Studies conference, where he highlighted the need for a robust post-Brexit partnership between the EU and the UK. “Our future partnership with the UK must go beyond trade. The European Union has said this many times before. It should, in particular, include a strong pillar in foreign, security, and defense policy,” Barnier declared.

Despite the complexities introduced by Brexit, the EU remains optimistic about its future relationship with the UK. The Union envisions a partnership that will continue to strengthen, emphasizing multilateral cooperation—where the UK, though outside the formal structure of the EU, remains an integral partner. This cooperation will be essential across various domains, including trade, internal security, and external defense.

The EU’s strategy post-Brexit is not one of exclusion but of inclusion. The Union’s doors remain open to the UK, inviting collaboration on issues that affect both parties. Whether it’s addressing geopolitical challenges, contributing to development aid, or participating in military operations, the UK’s involvement is seen as crucial. The UK’s strategic military assets and expertise in technology and defense research are particularly valuable, especially in initiatives like the European Defense Fund, which aims to bolster Europe’s collective security.

In the digital age, cyber security has emerged as one of the most pressing threats. Recognizing this, the EU and the UK are working to ensure that their defenses are aligned and robust. The Security of Information Agreement between the two not only facilitates the exchange of vital intelligence but also ensures that this information is protected against potential breaches, thereby enhancing both parties’ ability to counter cyber threats.

Barnier’s vision of building a cohesive and long-term partnership with the UK is rooted in the alignment of foreign policy objectives rather than short-term or ad hoc interests. This approach is crucial, especially when considering the historical context of EU defense policies. For instance, in 1998, then-Prime Minister Tony Blair and French President Jacques Chirac raised concerns that EU defense initiatives could undermine NATO’s role in European security. Now, with the UK outside the EU, the Union’s security policies are increasingly shaped by those member states willing to invest in collective defense efforts, leading to the establishment of the European Defense Fund.

In a world where conflicts can no longer afford to be resolved through destruction, institutions like the EU are more essential than ever. The global community is at a point where further devastation is unsustainable, and recovery from such destruction would be nearly impossible. The EU, even after Brexit, continues to play a critical role in maintaining global peace and stability. Both the EU and the UK share a commitment to cooperation, not conflict, recognizing that collective security and diplomacy are the most effective means of resolving disputes.

The essence of liberalism, as practiced through institutions like the EU, lies in the belief that dialogue and cooperation can achieve what war and conflict cannot. The EU’s foreign and security policies, even in the face of Brexit, continue to embody this philosophy, ensuring that Europe and the world remain committed to solving disagreements through words, not weapons.