They are likely to discuss the re-arming fund proposed by Brussels, which would see a €150 billion loan program for EU governments to spend on weapons and equipment. In order for the U.K. to be involved in the scheme, it needs a formal defense agreement with Brussels — something held up by a dispute about fishing quotas, among other issues.
POLITICO reported last week that the U.K. Treasury has pitched a plan that would allow participating governments to avoid booking the upfront capital cost of military kit in their national budget, which would be of huge benefit to countries with tight spending rules.
British officials met select European allies at a discreet dinner in Brussels a couple of weeks ago to discuss plans for the new defense fund. This gathering was also hosted by Poland.
“A strong economy needs a strong national defense. That is why the chancellor will be travelling to Warsaw to make the case for deeper defence financing cooperation with our European allies so together we deliver greater economic and national security in a changed world,” a Treasury official said in a statement accompanying the trip.
PM Keir Starmer recently upped Britain’s defense spending to 2.5 percent of GDP, the biggest increase since the end of the Cold War.
The U.K. has spent the past few weeks pressing for a carve-out from Trump’s tariffs. Friday’s trip signals a renewed focus on the government’s pledge to reset U.K.-EU relations ahead of a wider summit May 19.