UK-EU reset relations amid turbulent world

The European Union (EU) has just announced its priorities for the first annual summit between the UK and the EU, aiming to rebuild relations after years of post-Brexit tension, with security as the top focus. After a long and costly separation process, the UK and EU are gradually moving closer to promoting cooperative agreements in the context of a rapidly changing world.

The European Council confirmed that the EU’s top diplomat Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, will attend the summit along with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, while the UK will be represented by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Defence and security are top priorities at the summit, where the UK and EU hope to sign a security agreement. Both sides also intend to reaffirm their commitment to cooperation on strategic and geopolitical matters, as well as enhance coordination on foreign and security policy in a joint declaration.

The summit, scheduled to take place in London on May 19, will also discuss plant and animal quarantine measures, internal and criminal security, the emissions trading system, and migration issues. The two sides will seek to tap further potential of the current UK-EU trade and cooperation agreement. Additionally, they will discuss fisheries and energy cooperation — two areas in which current agreements will expire in June 2026 and require renewal or replacement.

Ahead of the summit, the UK and EU have accelerated negotiations on a youth mobility programme that would allow citizens under the age of 30 from both sides to reside and work in each other’s territories for up to three years.

This is part of broader efforts to rebuild UK-EU relations in the post-Brexit era. The EU aims to allow citizens aged 18–30 to study and work in the UK.

The UK has stated that it is open to considering such “controlled” programmes, as they do not compromise its stance of ending freedom of movement for EU labour after Brexit. The UK also noted that it currently has youth mobility agreements with 13 non-EU countries.

UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has hinted at the possibility of implementing a “one in, one out” policy to prevent an increase in net migration — a central issue for the UK. British officials hope Prime Minister Starmer and EU leaders will commit to opening negotiations on various cooperation areas, including youth visas.

The first annual post-Brexit summit between the UK and EU is seen as a major turning point amid profound global changes, especially following the return of US President Donald Trump to the White House. Both the UK and EU have expressed a strong desire to deepen cooperation, particularly in defence, amid growing doubts about the extent of US’ commitments to NATO and European security.

Officials expect the May 19 summit to be an opportunity to “pave the way” for a bilateral defence and security treaty. Von der Leyen has also suggested that the UK could participate in the EU’s joint defence initiative SAFE — a 150 billion EUR fund to finance arms and military equipment procurement, including missiles, drones, artillery, and ammunition.

Although it is unlikely that the UK will rejoin the EU single market, customs union, or reinstate freedom of movement, the upcoming summit is expected to be a key milestone in efforts to reestablish a closer relationship between the UK and the EU.

NDO