Nick Boles proposes new

Former Conservative MP Nick Boles has proposed the creation of a new "European Confederation" to provide deeper economic and security integration for non-EU countries. The proposal, detailed in the document "Beyond Brexit: A New Deal for Britain, Ukraine and Europe" and supported by the think tank Demos, has been presented to UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

The model aims to establish a broad free trade zone encompassing the European Union, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, the Western Balkans, Norway, and Switzerland. This framework would function similarly to a hybrid of the EU and NATO, offering mutual defense guarantees in exchange for access to a shared market.

Key components of the plan include: - A heightened UK role in European defense, with the UK potentially committing 3.5% of its GDP to defense and extending its nuclear umbrella to non-NATO members. - A specific role for Ukraine, which would maintain a large military to deter Russian aggression and share drone production technologies with European partners. - Economic and social integration through youth mobility programs, technological innovation initiatives, and cooperation in the technology sector.

The proposal seeks to offer a middle ground for countries like those in the Western Balkans, allowing for significant economic and security ties without the immediate requirement of full EU membership.