The EU-UK summit in the context of Trump 2.0

The much-anticipated EU-UK summit on 19 May, expected to include a defense pact, will be an important step in the reset between London and Brussels, with the conflict in Ukraine having been a powerful vehicule for a rapprochment. At the same time, the UK is desperate to maintain its ‘special relationship’ with the US, to also best serve its economic and security interests. How can the UK manage this balancing act?  What are the key elements – advantages and pitfalls – of the expected defense pact between the UK and the EU, including in the context of the Ukraine war and the possible deployment of European troops? How can the UK develop defense industrial cooperation with the EU and be associated to new EU efforts in this domain? What are the UK Prime Minister’s chances of keeping the relationship with President Trump as favourable as possible?