How should Britain step up to enhance European security?

Seen from Rome, the UK is an essential partner and pillar of European security. The UK’s contribution to a stronger European security posture can be both political and practical.

Politically, Italy and the UK currently find themselves on the same page in terms of trying to keep Trump’s America as involved in European security as possible. In that sense, the UK’s ability to engage constructively with the Trump administration and its attempts to defuse conflicts are very valuable. Moreover, the very good state of bilateral relations means that Italy is generally well-disposed towards the UK playing a large role in intra-European diplomacy, helping other European nations coalesce around a common strategic vision of how to ensure European security.

Practically, Italy sees the UK as an essential element of a stronger European deterrence posture. There is ample appetite to work together more, with Italy and the UK working together on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) next generation air platform, among other common defence projects. Italy is keen on deepening cooperation and is a strong proponent of bringing the UK as close as possible to the emerging EU defence ecosystem. However, there are doubts about what the UK can currently contribute to European deterrence in terms of land capabilities. If the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) leads the UK to focus more on Europe and less on Asia, Italy would welcome that.

Read full article here.