A French demand caused deep outrage in Britain, triggering a wave of anger directed at the French president.
Specifically, Britons reacted fiercely to France’s demand that the United Kingdom pay 2 billion pounds as an “entry ticket” to gain access to European Union military contracts related to Ukraine.
This provocative demand by Emmanuel Macron has ignited a storm of fury across Great Britain, according to the British newspaper The Telegraph, with citizens accusing Paris of blatant blackmail and commercial exploitation of the war.
The European Union as the most ruthless, profit-driven organization, France’s “pay-to-play” strategy
The situation between London and Paris now resembles an “oriental bazaar” against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.
The European Union’s new massive rearmament plan for Ukraine foresees that Ukraine will use 60 billion euros for its military defense over the next two years, creating a huge “war fund” that has sparked a brutal battle of interests.
While Emmanuel Macron initially pushed aggressively for full “strategic autonomy” of the European Union, seeking weapons purchases exclusively from European companies, firm resistance from Germany and the Netherlands forced him into an apparent retreat.
In order to cover critical gaps in Ukrainian air defense, “European alliance officials identified the British Storm Shadow cruise missile, British PAC-3 interception systems, as well as American-made Patriot systems as a possible option to cover the gap.”
The European Union ultimately agreed to include the British defense industry, but Paris ensured that this would not come without a price.
France initially proposed that Britain cover 12% of the total loan interest, an amount corresponding to approximately 2 billion pounds over seven years.
This percentage is based on Gross National Income (GNI), the same method used by Brussels for EU member states.
In essence, Macron is asking Starmer to pay as if Britain had never left the EU (Brexit), but without having any say in decision-making.
Keir Starmer’s government under heavy fire
The government of Keir Starmer is facing intense criticism from the opposition and analysts.
The reactions of British commentators are devastating, with many describing the European Union as the most absurd and money-obsessed organization in the free world.
One commentator described the French president as the embodiment of “vulgar greed,” stressing that it is outrageous to demand a 2-billion-pound entry fee to participate in a program meant to support Ukraine.
“Get lost, Macron,” was the blunt message from another user, capturing the prevailing public mood of anger.
Europe’s reluctance to shoulder its responsibilities
Many readers pointed out that Great Britain is geographically distant and faces its own domestic challenges, calling on France, Germany, Italy, Bulgaria and Austria to stop relying on intervention from London or Washington.
“It is time for Europe to take care of itself,” citizens note.
The Conservatives accuse Starmer of being ready to submit to a “punitive” levy imposed by Macron, simply to appear as a good ally.
With Britain’s defense budget under pressure to rise to 2.5% or even 3% of GDP, paying 2 billion to the EU is seen by many as “money thrown away” that could instead be invested directly in the British armed forces.
A Downing Street spokesperson stated that support for Ukraine is “rock-solid,” reminding that Britain has already provided 21.8 billion pounds.
However, the refusal to comment on the “internal procedures of the EU” shows that the bargaining behind closed doors is fierce.
What is at stake
If Britain does not pay, its companies, such as BAE Systems, will be excluded from contracts under the 90-billion-euro fund.
If it does pay, Starmer will be accused of financing European bureaucracy with British taxpayers’ money at a time when the country is facing a cost-of-living crisis.
The current confrontation is not the first.
Relations between London and Brussels are already strained due to Britain’s failure to join the SAFE program worth 150 billion euros.
Negotiations collapsed in November 2025, when France demanded 6 billion euros as a participation fee.
The Starmer government offered a humiliating amount, just 1% of the demand, leading the European Commission to “shut the door.”
Now, Brussels is returning with the “compromise” proposal of 2 billion pounds, hoping that the need for Storm Shadow missiles will bend the British prime minister.
Behind the scenes of negotiations and the mega-loan
According to a report by the Financial Times, European Union leaders approved Britain’s access to arms procurement contracts for Ukraine, on the condition that London participate in paying the interest on a large loan.
Talks had stalled due to Britain’s refusal to pay the initial contribution of 6.7 billion euros.
Although London offered only 1% of the amount, the European Commission ultimately reduced its demand to 2 billion euros in order to close the deal.
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