The 27 EU countries have given the green light to the agreement between the European Union and Great Britain, which was the subject of this morning’s London summit. The formal approval from the member states came through the written procedure, following the initial approval by the 27 Permanent Representatives.
The agreement covers a partnership for security and defense, a declaration of solidarity between the UK and the EU, and a common understanding on issues ranging from defense to trade, fishing, and youth mobility.
As highlighted by the BBC, the post-Brexit agreement reached includes three key points:
– A security pact between London and Brussels, in light of international tensions, especially the conflict between Russia and Ukraine;
– An agreement on veterinary alignment (to reduce barriers in the agri-food trade);
– An agreement on youth mobility with facilitated visas valid for 4 years for those under 30, but without a return to the free movement that was in place before the UK’s divorce from the Union.
– Extension to 12 years of fishing agreements (compared to the seven previously discussed), strongly supported by the EU and especially by France. According to Sky News, the agreement on this issue does not involve a reduction in the British fishing quota or an increase in the quota for EU countries.
With today’s agreement, the EU and Great Britain agree on “a strategic partnership” and commit to holding an annual summit to update their relations and discuss global issues. The UK expects to receive £9 billion by 2040, in savings and new annual revenues, thanks to the new agreements.
“We have reflected on the need to develop an ambitious and dynamic relationship that meets the needs of our citizens,” reads the joint declaration from Brussels and London accompanying the so-called ‘reset deal’, the package of agreements between the Union and Great Britain. The joint declaration focuses on major global issues, starting with trade tariffs.
“We have confirmed our shared principles of maintaining global economic stability and our mutual commitment to free, sustainable, fair, and open trade, in line with our common values, as well as the importance of cooperating with all our trading partners to safeguard the resilience of our supply chain and monitor trade deviations. Recognizing the role of the WTO in promoting certainty, predictability, and fair trade practices, we will continue to work together, and with other like-minded partners, on how to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in the global economic order,” the text states, acknowledging “the importance of transatlantic relations.”
The EU and Great Britain “join Ukraine and international partners, including the United States, in calling for a complete and unconditional ceasefire and meaningful talks for a genuine peace to end Russia’s hostilities.” They also express readiness to continue exerting pressure on Russia, including through further sanctions, measures to prevent evasion, sectoral and maximum measures on oil prices, and ensuring that Russian sovereign assets remain frozen until Russia ceases its aggressive war against Ukraine and compensates for the damages caused by this war.
Brussels and London also affirm their commitment to see an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid. They emphasize the importance of pursuing a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution.
The initial details have triggered strong reactions from the British Conservatives: leader Kemi Badenoch expressed being “very concerned.” “We are returning to being subject to Brussels’ rules,” she declared, “and without details on limits or timelines for youth mobility, fears of a return to free movement will only increase.”
The Trumpian Reform party led by Nigel Farage speaks of British “surrender” to the Union and a step back from Brexit. Farage believes the agreement will “end” the British fishing industry. According to the BBC, London’s extension of fishing quotas allowed the EU-UK negotiations deadlock to be broken overnight and the agreement to be reached.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer denied that the strategic partnership agreement between the UK and the EU represents a step back from Brexit. The Labour Prime Minister, in a press conference on the sidelines of the London summit, stated that the agreement is instead “balanced” and brings “huge benefits” to the UK, based on three principles: reducing bills, creating more jobs, and controlling borders. Starmer emphasized that “most of the people complaining about the agreement” are doing so “before knowing a single word” of its content.
EU and UK denounce ‘unacceptable situation in Gaza’
The situation in the Gaza Strip, following the new Israeli offensive, is “unacceptable and intolerable,” said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the sidelines of today’s summit with the EU, while avoiding Sky News UK’s question about the growing accusations of “genocide” towards Israeli leaders. Starmer and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen both reiterated the call for a ceasefire and, together, for the release of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. Von der Leyen also reaffirmed that the “two-state solution remains the only solution” to the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
Starmer: ‘Common-sense agreement with the EU, looking forward’
An agreement reached in the name of “national interest” and based on “common sense, practical solutions” to provide “the best for the British people”: that’s how Prime Minister Keir Starmer sealed the formalization of the new post-Brexit strategic partnership pact between the UK and the EU.
“It is time to look forward, to put old debates behind us” to “improve people’s lives,” he continued. “Let’s face the world again in the great tradition of this nation, building relationships we choose with the partners we choose.”
From defense to youth, the new UK-EU partnership
An important post-Brexit strategic partnership agreement between the UK and the EU was concluded in London by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Union’s representatives, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.
Here are the main points.
* DEFENSE. Defense and security pact, at a time marked by geopolitical tensions starting with the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The agreement allows the British to participate in certain EU ministerial meetings and take part in European military exercises and missions. It also opens the way for the participation of UK arms giants in the Safe – the €150 billion fund for EU rearmament – as a partner country. However, this will require an additional agreement and financial contribution from London.
* TRADE BARRIERS. Agreement to reduce customs checks for food and plant products in their future trade exchanges. A fundamental request from London for its agri-food sector, also to address the issue of truck queues at the border. The UK commits to align with European health and phytosanitary standards, with some possible exceptions. In case of disagreement, an independent dispute resolution mechanism will be established, but the ultimate authority will be the EU Court of Justice. London will also be able to sell various products, such as burgers and sausages, in the EU again.
* ENERGY. A “closer cooperation” on emission quotas is envisaged between London and Brussels to “enhance energy security” and avoid British companies being affected by the EU carbon tax scheduled to come into effect next year.
* FISHING. An extension of fishing agreements to 12 years (compared to the previously discussed seven) was agreed upon, strongly supported by the EU and especially France, to prolong the status quo. The agreement on this issue does not entail a reduction in the British fishing quota or an increase for EU countries.
* YOUTH MOBILITY. Both parties stated readiness to “work on a balanced program” allowing young people the “experience” of working, studying, volunteering, and traveling for a limited period in the UK and the EU, under conditions yet to be defined. London and Brussels also discussed the possibility of the UK rejoining the Erasmus+ student exchange program. Starmer emphasized that any agreements regarding young people and students must be limited in number and duration, and there is no return to free movement in any case.
* TRAVEL. To facilitate people crossing borders, Britons will be able to use e-gates more, the automated passport control gates, while a specific document will be introduced for pets to eliminate the need for health certificates for every trip.
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