top of page

Beyond Brexit Divisions: London Summit Reignites UK-EU Strategic Partnership

  • Writer: Armin Sijamić
    Armin Sijamić
  • May 24
  • 3 min read

On Monday, the UK government and European Union leadership, at the first summit post-Brexit, reached significant agreements. But more important than the deals themselves is London’s desire to remain close to Brussels.

Man in glasses and suit speaks at podium in front of "UK-EU Summit 2025" banner. Dark background; serious expression.
Phto: Keir Starmer

In February, Prime Minister Keir Starmer will declare that the UK “does not choose between the United States and the European Union,” attempting to clarify London’s position after threats by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on EU imports.


While this statement was aimed at domestic political dynamics—particularly addressing euroskeptic opposition figures like Nigel Farage (“I fear we’re tying ourselves to EU laws”)—it echoes the stance of Winston Churchill, who in his 1946 Zurich speech advocated for a united Europe, strong U.S. ties, and the UK as a bridge between transatlantic allies.


Of course, Starmer has not gone as far as Churchill, nor could he for many reasons. He has simply continued the policy he has pursued since becoming prime minister: collaborating with European partners to counter Russian expansionism in Eastern Europe. Last August, Starmer visited Berlin and Paris to discuss issues that ultimately led to concrete outcomes at this week’s summit.


The London Summit


The announcement of the summit reflected optimism long absent in UK-EU relations. Many recall footage of a solitary Theresa May sitting among her former EU colleagues as the UK finalized its Brexit departure in 2020.


Diplomats familiar with this week’s London summit stated beforehand that it marked a “relaunch” of UK-EU ties, with a defense partnership agreement serving as proof. Shortly after, it was announced that London and Brussels had agreed to deals on defense and security, simplified food and agricultural trade, and streamlined border controls. Given Brussels’ prioritization of these issues, the agreements signal a new era. For instance, the Trump administration has been particularly critical of Brussels’ treatment of U.S. food exports. Starmer called the deals a “reset” in UK-EU relations.


The UK will join a €150 billion EU program for joint arms production and procurement. This initiative, driven by several European powers, aims to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression and prepare for potential cuts in U.S. military aid to Kyiv under Trump.


The two sides also agreed to reduce food inspection procedures, allowing British companies to avoid carbon taxes. By 2040, this could generate €10 billion in profits for the UK economy. Brussels secured a 12-year extension for EU fishing vessels in UK waters, while the UK gained simplified entry into the EU via multiple border crossings with reduced checks.


A New Chapter


Starmer’s outreach to Brussels serves two key goals. First, to strengthen his Labour Party, whose base largely opposed Brexit. Second, to counter threats from Russia and Trump’s policies. The Kremlin and a potential Trump White House have shown disregard for European concerns, particularly regarding Ukraine.


The warming of UK-EU relations became evident earlier this year when European Council President Antonio Costa noted a “new positive energy” between the two sides, foreshadowing this week’s summit.


This is undeniably a major victory for Starmer. The EU remains the UK’s largest trading partner, with €950 billion in bilateral trade, despite a 21% drop in UK exports since Brexit. Simultaneously, Starmer has cultivated ties with Trump, exemplified by a recent UK-U.S. trade deal. While Trump secured tariff concessions, Starmer has maintained proximity to an administration that snubs many EU leaders.


Starmer has capitalized on domestic sentiment to align closer to Brussels and integrate the UK into European initiatives, especially in Eastern Europe. Recent polls show Britons favor closer EU ties and disapprove of Trump’s policies.


The EU has also shown subtle shifts in strategy. Beyond the UK, Brussels has hinted at offering Turkey a role in Europe’s new security architecture, leveraging Ankara’s strategic position from the Balkans to the Middle East. Turkey’s growing defense industry and military modernization strengthen its bid for deeper EU engagement.


In dealing with both London and Ankara, Brussels has signaled it will not abandon its goals despite Trump’s policies. Moreover, the rallying of European powers against Russia sends a message to Washington—not just Trump—that Europe demands respect. This could influence U.S. policy toward China, as economic sanctions on Beijing would falter without EU cooperation.


The UK’s resolve to support Kyiv has galvanized Brussels. Ambitious EU defense and arms production plans, unthinkable a few years ago, are now underway. Recent elections in Romania, where pro-EU forces defeated Moscow-aligned candidates, underscore Europe’s mobilization against Russian influence.


Starmer has continued Boris Johnson’s pro-Ukraine stance, reinforcing London’s reputation as a reliable Western ally. Since taking office in July 2023, Starmer has won key battles, but the geopolitical contest persists.




This article was originally published on nap.ba


Comentários


bottom of page