(MENAFN) The United Kingdom has turned down a European Union request to contribute billions of euros to a new defense initiative, reports indicate. Brussels proposed that London provide between €4 billion and €6.5 billion ($4.3–7 billion) to participate in the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program. Talks on joining the initiative had begun in September, with Canada also in discussions.

SAFE, part of a broader €800 billion($864 billion)EU military spending plan, aims to fund drones, missile systems, cyber-defense capabilities, and a European air shield. A senior UK official described the requested contribution as “excessive and well above what London expected,” confirming the offer was refused. Negotiations to reduce the amount are reportedly ongoing before the November 30 deadline for funding submissions.

The UK has already spent significant sums supplying Ukraine since the conflict with Russia escalated in 2022, all amid weak economic growth and high public debt. Western officials have warned that Russia could pose a threat to EU states, prompting military expansions across the bloc. European NATO members plan to increase defense spending to up to 5% of GDP by 2035, under pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has urged Europe to meet its obligations within the alliance.

Moscow has repeatedly denied plans to target Western countries and views the buildup as evidence of growing Western militarization. Last month, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that European nations are preparing for “a new big European war” against Russia and its ally Belarus.

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