On May 19, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen, Antonio Costa, and Kaja Kallas at Lancaster House in London for the first UK-EU Summit since Brexit. The meeting marked a significant step toward resetting relations strained by Britain’s exit from the EU five years ago.
Key Agreements
After late-night negotiations, the two sides finalized three agreements:
- Security and Defence Partnership: This pact paves the way for regular security dialogues, potential UK participation in EU military missions, and access to a €150 billion EU defence fund, though details remain to be finalized.
- Joint Statement of Solidarity: A commitment to closer cooperation on shared challenges.
- Common Understanding: Covers trade, fishing rights, and youth mobility, with some issues deferred for future talks.
A breakthrough on fishing rights allows EU fishermen access to UK waters for 12 years post-2026, in exchange for reduced red tape on UK food exports to the EU. Youth mobility discussions were left vague to avoid rekindling debates over freedom of movement, a sensitive issue in the UK.
Context and Challenges
Starmer, who took office in July 2024 after Labour’s election victory, has prioritized mending ties with the EU, criticizing the Brexit deal secured by the previous Conservative government as ineffective. However, he faces domestic opposition, with Conservatives labeling the reset a “surrender” and Reform UK’s anti-immigration stance gaining traction.
The summit unfolded against global concerns, including Russia’s threat and uncertainties about US support under President Donald Trump. While the defence pact leverages the UK’s NATO ties with 23 EU nations, experts like Olivia O’Sullivan from Chatham House caution that the agreements are incremental, leaving many issues unresolved.
Looking Ahead
Starmer has ruled out rejoining the EU’s customs union or single market but supports aligning on food and agricultural standards to cut border delays. He also backs a limited youth mobility scheme for 18- to 30-year-olds, carefully navigating public sentiment. Additionally, the UK seeks faster customs processes for British travelers at EU borders.
The summit signals a pragmatic shift in UK-EU relations, balancing cooperation with sovereignty, though negotiations on finer details will shape the partnership’s future.
