Britain and the European Union unveiled on Monday a landmark deal that will revive the cooperation in defence, commerce, youth mobility and border management more than three year after the UK officially left the EU.
This wide-ranging agreement, which was forged in Brussels marks the biggest reset of relationships since Brexit. Prime Minister Keir starmer hailed it as a “moment to move beyond stale, old debates”, and instead focus on “commonsense, practical solutions.”
The deal, announced amid indications that the United States could scale back their European security obligations, includes the UK entering into a formal defense and security framework. It also relaxes a number of post-Brexit restrictions on trade that had hampered British travellers and exporters alike.
Starmer stated that he was willing to cooperate with other countries to improve the lives of people in Britain. He also expressed his wish to stabilize relations with Britain’s biggest trading partner.
Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU and UK are “turning a page”
ICD breaks it down:
In London, for the very first EU-UK Summit. Our relationship has a chance to change and we have a great opportunity to do so. We can work together for the sake of security on our continent shared and prosperity on both sides.
EU-UK Defence and Security Pact: UK will get access to Safe- EU’s Defence Fund
The agreement includes a formal UK and EU defence and security pact.
This initiative is a reflection of the growing concern about Russia’s aggressive behavior in Ukraine, and the uncertainty that has been building over US support for European Security under Trump.
British manufacturers will be able to access “Safe”, an EU fund of EUR150bn for defense projects.
The two sides agreed to intensify their collaboration on cybersecurity, mobility of military forces, crisis response and strategic planning. These areas could become more urgent if NATO’s cohesion begins to deteriorate.
SPS Agreement to Ease UK Meat Exports to EU
The trade sector is also undergoing tangible change.
The sanitary-and-phytosanitary agreement (SPS), which was signed in 2016, will allow Britain to once again export raw meat burgers, sausages and other fresh meat to the EU. This practice has been banned ever since Brexit.
Retailers have welcomed the move as it will reduce food costs and increase supply chain efficiency.
In just two weeks, I’ve closed three deals. I have rolled my sleeves up to help British citizens, British companies, and British jobs. Your money is in your pockets.
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More European airports now offer e-gates to UK passengers
British travelers will also be able to benefit.
The UK will allow passport holders to access e-gates in more European airports. This will streamline entry procedures, which have become complicated since the end of freedom of movement (in 2020).
The new rules on animal health certificates will also make travelling with pets easier.
The EU has extended fishing access, causing industry anger
The agreement, however, has angered the British fishing industry. They were promised a return to sovereignty in UK waters following Brexit.
The new agreement will allow European vessels to access UK waters up until 2038, a period of twelve years longer than the previous arrangement which expired in 2026.
This move sparked a strong backlash among industry leaders as well as opposition politicians.
Elspeth Mcdonald of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation called the agreement “a horrible show” for Scottish fisherman, arguing that it was “far more disastrous than Boris Johnson’s botched Brexit deal”.
Macdonald stated that “Giving up a valuable national resource such as the rich, healthy and productive fishing grounds without any discernible benefits…is a shame”.
The Scottish government’s decision was politically charged, she said, because even though the UK is still a net fish importer, the Scottish fleets land more than 60% of all the UK’s catches.
Kemi Bdenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, was equally harsh in her criticism. She warned that “we are once again becoming rule takers from Brussels”.
Starmer defends the deal by saying it’s good for food and fishing exports
The Prime Minister Starmer denied that the industry was sold out. He argued that improved market access and stability outweighed the uncertainties of the annual negotiations.
Over 70% of the seafood is exported to Europe. “This will help them”, he added, adding that the return to shellfish exports as well as lower export costs are ultimately beneficial for fishing communities.
The Minister also announced the creation of a fund worth PS360million to boost coastal regions and support this sector.
The carbon market and youth experience programme are in pipeline
In an effort to mend ties between the UK and EU, they will work together to negotiate “Youth Experience Schemes” that are similar to those already in place with other countries such as Australia and New Zealand.
Plan could permit young people between 18 and 35 years old to travel, live and work in the other country’s territory, but with time and quota limits.
Both sides have agreed to link their pricing of carbon in an effort to avoid new tariffs for steel and carbon-intensive products.
According to the government, the alignment of British companies with EU border taxes on carbon will result in savings for British businesses totaling around PS800,000,000. The steel industry can also save an extra PS25,000,000 per year by avoiding penalties.
Realigning your strategy in light of global changes
Under Starmer, the agreement represents a pivotal strategic decision for Britain. It positions the UK closer towards the EU in a period when alliances around the world are re-evaluated.
This also shows the EU is open to new forms of cooperation with an ex-member, one that does not involve a return to the EU but still represents shared values and interests.
The negotiations will continue to cover issues like mutual recognition of qualifications for professionals and further aligning the energy markets.
The reset is aimed to restore predictability and collaboration after many years of uncertainty.
Both sides emphasize the benefits that the new agreement will bring. Starmer said, “It is time to move forward.”
As new information becomes available, this post EU-UK landmark agreement covering travel, security and trade may change.
