The European Union and the United Kingdom marked a fresh phase in their post-Brexit relationship on Monday, reaching new agreements focused on defence collaboration and simplifying trade procedures. These were formalised during their first official summit since the UK’s departure from the EU.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other top EU officials in London for discussions that resulted in the signing of several agreements. Starmer said the outcomes would reduce bureaucratic hurdles, boost the UK’s economy, and rejuvenate its relationship with the 27-member bloc.
‘Britain is back on the world stage,’ said Starmer. ‘This deal is a win-win.’
Von der Leyen described the occasion as a ‘historic moment’ that would benefit both parties. She said that, in an increasingly unstable global context, the UK and EU are ‘natural partners standing side-by-side on the global stage’.
However, the deals drew criticism from British opposition figures who accused the government of undermining Brexit. ‘We’re becoming a rule-taker from Brussels once again,’ said Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party.
A key feature of the agreements is a new UK-EU security and defence framework that grants Britain access to an EU defence financing initiative valued at €150 billion.
Other measures include easing inspections on animal and plant-based goods to facilitate cross-border food trade and extending by 12 years the agreement that allows EU fishing vessels to operate in UK waters.
Despite the EU remaining Britain’s biggest trading partner, UK exports to the bloc have dropped by 21% since Brexit, largely due to increased customs checks, extensive paperwork, and various regulatory barriers.
The end of free movement has also disrupted professional and cultural exchanges. Sectors such as finance, legal services, music tours and educational trips have all been affected by new visa limitations.
Since assuming office in July, Starmer has been working to rebuild ties with Brussels, following a tense period after the 2016 referendum and the subsequent trade agreement under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Starmer has expressed hope for refining that agreement in ways that enhance trade and improve security.
The latest announcements follow recent trade deals with the US and India, making this the third such package in as many weeks. Starmer praised the new arrangements as being ‘good for jobs, good for bills and good for our borders’.
The defence partnership will enable UK companies to access low-interest EU loans to procure military equipment – part of a broader effort to support Ukraine amid ongoing conflict.
On trade, officials confirmed that steps will be taken to cut down on routine inspections and reduce costs for food imports and exports, allowing for smoother movement of goods. This change will permit items like British-made burgers and sausages to re-enter the European market.
UK Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, who led the talks, told the BBC: ‘We know we’ve had lorries waiting for 16 hours, fresh food in the back not able to be exported, because frankly it’s just going off, red tape, all the certifications that are required, we absolutely want to reduce that.’
In the contentious area of fisheries, the extension means EU boats can continue accessing UK waters until 2038. Though it represents a small portion of the economy, the issue holds symbolic significance and nearly derailed Brexit negotiations in 2020.
The leaders also discussed a potential youth mobility arrangement, which would permit young people from both sides to live and work temporarily in each other’s countries. However, specifics have yet to be announced.
This subject remains politically sensitive in Britain, with some Brexit supporters viewing it as a return to elements of freedom of movement. The UK already has similar arrangements with countries like Canada and Australia.
Starmer has been clear that his government has no intention of rejoining the EU’s single market or customs union, nor will it endorse a revival of free movement between the UK and EU.
Even so, some compromises could stir discontent among voters, particularly those leaning toward the pro-Brexit and anti-immigration Reform UK Party led by Nigel Farage, and which has recently gained traction in local elections.
Both Reform and the Conservatives have labelled the latest agreements as a ‘surrender’ to Brussels.
Adding to Starmer’s potential challenges, US President Donald Trump – an outspoken Brexit supporter – might react unfavourably to the UK moving closer to the EU.
Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter from Spain in English.
ALSO READ: Post-Brexit status of Gibraltar ‘very close’ to an agreement.
We’re also stepping up our cooperation on fighting illegal migration.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) May 19, 2025
Crime doesn’t stop at borders, and neither should our response.
We are joining forces to crack down on smugglers and traffickers.
Our goal is clear: protect our borders and prevent further tragedies. pic.twitter.com/6ohGqTW0N6
Today we struck a landmark deal with the EU.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) May 19, 2025
A deal that is in the national interest: delivering more jobs, cheaper bills and secure borders. pic.twitter.com/fM5BjJGhhe
Click here to get your business activity or services listed on our DIRECTORY.
