UK and Italy Pledge Closer Defence and Security Ties
UK Prime Minister and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met at the European Political Community summit in Dublin.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in International Relations
The UK Prime Minister met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the European Political Community summit in Dublin. The leaders discussed partnership on defence, security and migration, and the Prime Minister welcomed Italy's support for Ukraine.
Why it matters
The talks signal continued coordination between two major European governments on defence, security and migration. Both leaders discussed how best to address Ukraine's urgent needs.
The source readout contains no vote tallies, funding amounts or dates beyond the meeting itself, which took place on 12 November 2026. Specific commitments on the fighter jet programme and Ukraine support were not quantified.
The players
Giorgia Meloni
Giorgia Meloni is the Prime Minister of Italy and leader of the Brothers of Italy party, who has played a prominent role in European Union and transatlantic diplomacy.
The details
The leaders reflected on how best to address Ukraine's urgent needs and discussed ways a closer long-term relationship with the EU could deliver practical benefits and cut costs for families. The Prime Minister set out the UK's focus on delivering a next generation fighter jet with Italy and Japan.
Timeline
12 November 2026: UK and Italian leaders meet at the European Political Community summit in Dublin.
Political Context
The discussion extends the Global Combat Air Programme, through which the UK, Italy and Japan are jointly developing a next-generation fighter jet. Critics of European defence spending often question whether such multinational projects can keep pace with cost and schedule demands.
For readers following European security, the talks signal continued cooperation on defence procurement and migration policy between two large EU and UK partners. Practical effects on budgets or policy will depend on agreements not yet announced.
The takeaway
Bilateral meetings on the margins of summits like the European Political Community often set the agenda for later formal agreements. Watch for follow-up announcements on the fighter jet programme and Ukraine support.
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