EU agrees defense budget increase as Britain lifts block
The European Union agreed on November 15 to increase its military research budget for the first time since 2010 after Britain softened its opposition, a breakthrough that may signal British support for defense co-operation even once outside the bloc.
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A day after agreeing a new defense plan aimed at making Europe less reliant on US help, EU governments increased the 2017 funding of the European Defence Agency, which helps countries develop aircraft and other assets, by 1.6%, in line with inflation and taking the modest budget to EUR31 million (US$33 million).
While well below the 6.5% rise the agency wanted, it was the first time in six years that Britain has not blocked an increase at the agency whose budget has shrunk 15% in real terms, EU officials said.
"It is still a symbolic increase," EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini told a news conference.
"It is a clear demonstration of all EU member states, including the United Kingdom, to increase the budget of the agency to reflect the work to be done."
