For the first time since the UK’s official exit from the EU in 2020, European and British leaders met to relaunch cooperation in an international context marked by the war in Ukraine and heightened geopolitical uncertainties.
At the end of the meeting, a « new strategic partnership » was agreed, focusing on security, defence and trade. The summit, which the parties described as a « major step forward », was chaired by António Costa, President of the European Council, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister.
A stronger partnership in an unstable world
The agreement aims to strengthen cooperation between London and Brussels, particularly in the face of security threats and the war in Ukraine. The UK and the EU have agreed a security and defence partnership, paving the way for British participation in certain European arms procurement programmes and joint military operations. « This partnership provides greater stability and certainty at a time when the US commitment to Europe is being called into question », Downing Street said.
Fisheries, mobility and trade: concrete advances
One of the sensitive points in the negotiations, reciprocal access to fishing waters, has been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties. The current agreement, which was due to expire in 2026, has been extended to 2038, giving European and British fishermen long-term visibility. France, which is particularly concerned, sees this as a guarantee of stability for its maritime sector.
On the economic front, the discussions include the imminent launch of negotiations for a common sanitary and phytosanitary area, to reduce controls on food and agricultural trade. A programme to facilitate the mobility of young people between the EU and the UK, based on the Erasmus+ model, is also under consideration. These measures aim to facilitate exchanges and bring civil societies closer together.
A pragmatic agreement, but no turning back
While this summit marks a turning point, it does not mean that the United Kingdom is returning to the single market or the customs union. The UK’s red lines on the free movement of people and national sovereignty remain intact. For the EU, the key issue remains respect for existing agreements, in particular those relating to Northern Ireland and citizens’ rights.
Finally, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to working together to tackle the major global challenges, from the war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East to the fight against climate change.
This summit opens the door to new, practical cooperation between the UK and the EU, and clearly shows what they want to achieve together and where the limits are.
