Context:

Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain and President Emmanuel Macron of France are set to announce a new defense pact, which includes cooperation on nuclear deterrence, to address severe threats to Europe. This initiative aims to bolster support for Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian aggression, highlighting a commitment to multilateralism and international order. The leaders will also discuss migration issues, seeking to establish measures to curb unauthorized crossings of the English Channel. This collaboration reflects an effort to mend diplomatic relations strained by Brexit, emphasizing the importance of European self-reliance in defense matters as the U.S. reduces its military involvement. The summit will also address challenges in advancing a coalition against Russia, as some nations hesitate to contribute military resources despite the absence of a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Dive Deeper:

• The defense pact between Britain and France signifies a historic step towards joint nuclear deterrence, emphasizing a unified response to any extreme threat to Europe, though it stops short of offering full nuclear protection to European nations.

• The announcement coincides with a summit marking the end of a three-day state visit, during which Starmer and Macron will reaffirm their support for Ukraine by visiting a British military base, reflecting their commitment to counter Russian aggression.

• A migration agreement is anticipated, aiming to decrease unauthorized crossings of the English Channel by small boats, a pressing issue as Britain faces pressure to address illegal immigration while upholding humanitarian obligations.

• The leaders' renewed cooperation highlights improved diplomatic ties post-Brexit, countering past tensions and promoting multilateral efforts to maintain international stability amid shifting U.S. foreign policy under President Trump.

• Britain and France's defense initiatives underscore the necessity for European nations to strengthen their self-defense capabilities, as reliance on NATO and U.S. support becomes less certain, particularly in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

• Efforts to galvanize a coalition against Russia face hurdles, with some European countries reluctant to pledge military assets, and the absence of a promised ceasefire underlines the urgency for strategic diplomatic and military collaboration.

• The migration discussions are complicated by post-Brexit challenges, as Britain can no longer leverage previous European agreements for returning asylum seekers, necessitating new bilateral or bloc-wide solutions to manage migrant flows effectively.