Connect with us

Brexit

UK-EU summit yields landmark deal to reset post-Brexit relations

SHARE:

Published

11 months ago

on

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. You can unsubscribe at any time.

On Monday (19 May), the United Kingdom and the European Union convened their first formal summit since Brexit, resulting in a series of agreements aimed at resetting their relationship. The summit, held in London, was co-chaired by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa, writes Runfeng Huang.

Key agreements

  • Defense co-operation: The UK secured access to the EU's €150 billion defense fund, allowing British firms to participate in EU defense contracts. Additionally, the UK will have the opportunity to partake in EU-led military missions.
  • Trade facilitation: The two sides agreed to reduce border checks on food imports and exports, aiming to streamline trade and reduce costs for businesses.
  • Fisheries: EU fishing vessels will retain access to UK waters until 2038, extending the previous arrangement and providing stability for the fishing industry.
  • Youth mobility: Discussions are ongoing regarding a youth mobility scheme, potentially allowing individuals aged 18–30 to live, work, and study across the UK and EU for limited periods.
  • Digital travel: The UK and EU plan to implement measures facilitating the use of e-gates for British travelers in EU countries, aiming to ease border crossings.
  • Environment: The UK and EU agreed to align their carbon emissions trading systems to prevent UK businesses from being impacted by the EU’s upcoming carbon border tax.


Economic impact

The UK government projects that the new agreements could contribute an additional £9 billion to the British economy by 2040.

Political reactions

Prime Minister Starmer described the agreements as a “win-win,” emphasizing that the UK will not rejoin the EU’s single market or customs union. However, the deal faced criticism from opposition figures. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch labeled the fisheries agreement a “sell-out,” expressing concerns over sovereignty and the potential reintroduction of EU oversight.

European Council President António Costa expressed satisfaction with the outcomes, highlighting the summit as a significant step toward a renewed partnership between the UK and the EU. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also welcomed the new agreements, "At a time of global instability, and when our continent faces the greatest threat it has for generations, we in Europe stick together."

Advertisement

Background

Since the UK left the EU in 2020, relations between the two sides have been strained, with limited formal engagement. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has aimed to "reset" ties with Europe, seeking closer cooperation without rejoining the bloc. The summit marks the most significant step toward rebuilding UK-EU relations in recent years, focusing on practical agreements rather than reopening Brexit.

Sources: The European Council, AP News, Reuters, BBC, Xinhua News Agency, Sky News

Share this article:

Share this:
Related Topics:
Guest Contributor - Opinion

Opinions expressed are purely those of the author and not endorsed by EU Reporter.

EU Reporter publishes articles from a variety of outside sources which express a wide range of viewpoints. The positions taken in these articles are not necessarily those of EU Reporter. Please see EU Reporter’s full Terms and Conditions of publication for more information EU Reporter embraces artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance journalistic quality, efficiency, and accessibility, while maintaining strict human editorial oversight, ethical standards, and transparency in all AI-assisted content. Please see EU Reporter’s full A.I. Policy for more information.
Advertisement

Trending