On Monday, the UK and the European Union are set to meet for their first bilateral summit since Brexit, marking a significant moment in their post-2020 relationship. This summit comes at a time when international pressures—including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the rise of China, and geopolitical shifts following the Trump administration—have prompted both sides to prioritise cooperation over division. As one analyst aptly noted, while “miracles” should not be expected, there is a strong mutual desire to make this partnership work.
The prevailing sentiment among officials and analysts is that the bitterness stemming from Brexit has diminished significantly as the focus shifts towards shared challenges. Anand Menon, director of the think tank UK in a Changing Europe, highlighted the urgency of collaboration, stating that nations across Europe recognise the necessity of united action in this “current international context.” Notably, France, which had previously taken a hardline stance in negotiations, appears willing to compromise, especially in light of the recent invitation extended to President Emmanuel Macron for a state visit hosted by King Charles.
At the heart of Monday’s discussions will be a range of pivotal issues, including a pledge to maintain pressure on Russia, address humanitarian crises in Gaza, and enhance cooperation in defence matters. The anticipated outcomes include a joint declaration focusing on shared foreign policy priorities, an EU-UK security and defence pact, and a new package aimed at easing trade barriers that have arisen post-Brexit.
On the economic front, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government is advocating for a reset of relations with the EU, particularly aimed at removing certain trade barriers. These efforts, however, have faced scrutiny from within his party. Despite strong public support for closer ties with the EU, Starmer must navigate the complex political landscape, which is increasingly influenced by a resurgent Eurosceptic Reform Party. Furthermore, Labour’s commitment to avoiding re-entry into the EU’s customs union or single market complicates the situation, as any perceived concessions could lead to accusations of abandoning Brexit principles.
Central to the negotiations is an agreement concerning sanitary and phytosanitary standards (SPS) – a sector-by-sector approach intended to facilitate the movement of agricultural goods. While the UK aims to embrace this deal under certain conditions, it comes with the caveat of future regulatory alignment with the EU and oversight by the European Court of Justice. Critics argue this could be perceived as a dilution of British sovereignty, illustrating the intricate balance Starmer must maintain between securing economic advantages and honouring Brexit commitments.
Fishing rights, another contentious element, will likely be a bargaining chip in the summit. EU nations, led by France, are advocating for long-term access to UK waters, reflecting their vested interests in upholding fishing agreements that yield significant returns for their economies. With the current fishing agreement set to lapse in 2026, the UK government faces pressure from domestic fishing stakeholders to resist EU demands.
The summit is also set to address mobility, introducing elements that would allow for the recognition of professional qualifications and improved travel for British musicians to the EU. In return, the EU is pushing for a youth mobility scheme to facilitate easier movement for under-30s. In a politically charged environment, where migration is a sensitive topic, the UK government is keen to limit net migration figures even as it seeks to foster stronger ties with its European neighbours.
Defence cooperation is expected to be a key feature of the discussions. The UK has been active in supporting EU initiatives in response to threats posed by Russia, and there is a clear desire on both sides to formalise a partnership. As Sophia Gaston from King’s College London points out, the UK’s contributions to European defence strategies amidst heightened geopolitical tensions lend it credence in these talks. However, the proposals face opposition, particularly from France, which is advocating for tight restrictions on non-EU firms accessing defence contracts.
Nevertheless, the landscape appears to be changing as other European states, including Germany, show a willingness to embrace stronger ties with the UK. The German government, under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is seen as taking a more positive stance towards UK relations, reflecting a broader trend among EU nations to reconsider their positions in light of shared security concerns.
As both sides gather in London, the outcome of this summit could herald a new chapter in UK-EU relations, marked by pragmatism and a shared commitment to confront the multifaceted challenges of the modern world. The discussions will not only test existing boundaries but may also lay the groundwork for more significant collaboration, illustrating the necessity of unified action in these uncertain times.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
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