The United Kingdom and the European Union are poised to unveil major new agreements on fishing rights and defense cooperation, as top officials gathered in London on Monday for the first formal summit between the two sides since Brexit, as per The AP.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other senior EU leaders in what the U.K. government described as a significant step toward resetting relations with the 27-nation bloc.
According to British media reports, the two sides reached a deal granting EU vessels fishing access to U.K. waters ahead of the summit. Officials were also expected to outline the framework for a new defense and security partnership, allowing the U.K. to participate in an EU defense loan program — a key element in rebuilding strategic ties.
“Historic day … Britain back on the world stage,” wrote Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, who led the negotiations, in a social media post Monday, though he did not elaborate on the details of the agreements.
The summit comes as Starmer’s administration seeks to boost the British economy, which has faced headwinds since the U.K.’s formal departure from the EU in 2020. Increased trade barriers and regulatory red tape have contributed to a sharp decline in cross-channel commerce.
Since taking office in July, Starmer has prioritized repairing relations with Brussels, distancing his leadership from the confrontational tone of the post-referendum years under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
“This is about making people better off, making the country more secure, and ensuring more jobs in the U.K.,” said Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds in an interview with Times Radio.
Starmer has maintained that stronger economic and security ties with the EU will complement recent bilateral trade agreements signed with India and the United States, forming the foundation for a more globally integrated British economy.
The defense pact and fishing accord mark the most significant policy breakthroughs between the U.K. and the EU since the 2020 EU-U.K. Trade and Cooperation Agreement, signaling a new phase of collaboration between the once-closely bound partners.
