On May 19, 2025, the UK and EU leaders convened in London for the first formal summit since Brexit. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa aimed to reset the strained relations post-Brexit .
Key Agreements Reached
- Strategic Partnership: A joint statement established a new framework for cooperation, building upon the existing Withdrawal Agreement and Trade and Cooperation Agreement .
- Security and Defence: The UK and EU agreed on a non-binding framework to enhance collaboration in defence and security, including UK access to the EU’s €150 billion defence fund .
- Trade and Regulatory Alignment: Agreements were made to ease border checks on food products, align certain standards, and discuss linking carbon trading systems, aiming to reduce trade friction .
- Fisheries: A 12-year extension was granted for EU fishing fleets to access UK waters, a move that has sparked debate within the UK fishing industry .
- Youth Mobility and Erasmus+: Plans were set to negotiate the UK’s association with the Erasmus+ programme and establish a youth mobility scheme, facilitating work and study exchanges .
Political Reactions
The summit’s outcomes have been met with mixed reactions:
- Support: Business groups like the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) welcomed the agreements, citing potential economic benefits and reduced trade barriers .
- Criticism: Figures such as Nigel Farage and Boris Johnson criticized the deals, arguing they compromise UK sovereignty and represent a step back towards EU control .
Public Sentiment
Public opinion remains divided. While some appreciate the practical benefits of closer cooperation with the EU, others view these moves as undermining the Brexit mandate. Notably, recent polls suggest a shift in public perception, with a growing number believing that leaving the EU was a mistake .
Conclusion
The 2025 UK-EU Summit signifies a significant shift towards renewed cooperation between the UK and the EU. However, it’s crucial to note that these agreements do not equate to the UK rejoining the EU. The UK remains outside the EU, and any move to rejoin would require a formal application and likely a public referendum.