After years of strained relations, European Union e UK they return to collaborate with an agreement that marks the first real political and strategic "reset" of the era Post-Brexit. The 27 EU member states have given the formal green light to the new agreement through the so-called “written procedure”, paving the way for renewed cooperation on defence, trade, energy, fisheries and mobility.
The stage of the rapprochement was London, where today the first EU-UK summit since Brexit was held. A long time has passed since the famous “leave means leave”, and finally we are back to talking about cooperation. The leaders of both sides of the Channel signed the agreement: the British Prime Minister Keir starmer, the president of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Council António Costa and the High Representative for Foreign Policy Kaja kallas. In the next few hours, a joint press conference will formalize the details of this broad and multi-level agreement.
EU-UK: What does the agreement include?
The long negotiating marathon between the ambassadors of the 27 EU member states has finally led to the signing of a text that marks a significant step forward. But What does the agreement provide??
Defence and Security: London Towards a Key Role
Among the central chapters is cooperation in the field of defense. The agreement recognizes the United Kingdom, Europe's major military power, a fundamental role in common security policies, with the possibility of participating in joint civil and military operations with the EU. London also aims to access the new 150 billion euro European rearmament fund. A six-monthly dialogue will also be established between the British Foreign Secretary David Lammy and the EU High Representative, with the aim of ensuring stable and continuous coordination.
Fishing: European access extended until 2038
Another crucial point is the fishery. The agreement extension until 2038 access for European fishing vessels to British waters, exceeding the 2026 deadline set by the agreement signed in 2021 under the Johnson government. The measure has sparked strong criticism in Scotland, where the local government has denounced that it was not consulted. Brussels, on the other hand, sees the stabilization of the rules as an important achievement, especially for the French fleets.
Trade and health rules: towards a smoother flow
From an economic point of view, the agreement aims to simplify import-export procedures, in particular through new agreements in the sanitary and phytosanitary fields, designed to reduce costs and customs delays. It remains unclear whether London has accepted the principle of “dynamic alignment” with European regulations, a particularly sensitive issue among Brexit supporters, who see it as a return to regulatory dependence on Brussels.
Youth and mobility: partial opening, but no full agreement
On the front of the youth mobility, the two sides have come closer but have not yet reached a definitive agreement. London has offered the possibility for Europeans under 30 to live and work in the United Kingdom for three years. However, the European proposal to extend the duration to four years and to lower university fees for EU students has not been accepted, due to resistance from the Conservative Party and pressure from Nigel Farage's Reform Party, which has already spoken of a "backtracking".
A new beginning between enthusiasm and internal tensions
Beyond the technical aspects, the political value of the new partnership is clear: it is the first big step towards mending relations after the 2016 rift. The Starmer government aims to restore stability and predictability to relations with Europe, also in view of common challenges such as the war in Ukraine and the energy transition.
However, there is no lack of internal tensions. The right-wing opposition in the United Kingdom, including the Conservatives of We have Badenoch and Farage's Reform Party, denounce what they call a “surrender” to the EU, evoking the risk of a “watered-down Brexit”. But for Brussels and Downing Street, the agreement represents a turning point: a new phase based on strategic cooperation and shared interests.