Arne Mielken
19 May 2025
The EU and the UK have agreed a reset to their relationship.
On 19 May 2025, the UK Government unveiled a new strategic agreement with the European Union, aimed at bolstering British businesses, generating jobs, and lowering costs for consumers. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the summit as a pivotal moment in EU-UK relations, emphasizing shared priorities, mutual prosperity, and global stability.
🔐 Security & Defence Partnership
A new EU-UK Security and Defence Partnership was established, allowing the UK access to the EU’s €150 billion SAFE defence fund.
This partnership facilitates joint military procurement, enhances interoperability, and provides coordinated support to Ukraine, including investments in its defence sector.
It outlines cooperation on CSDP missions, cybersecurity, hybrid threats, space and maritime security, and arms control.
The agreement reaffirms NATO as the cornerstone of collective defence for EU-UK-NATO members.
🌍 Geopolitical Cooperation
Leaders reiterated their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, calling for a full, unconditional ceasefire in Russia's ongoing aggression.
Support was expressed for Moldova, a Middle East ceasefire, and a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
Concerns were raised over Iran’s nuclear programme and support was voiced for Syria’s peaceful political transition.
📈 Economic Growth & Trade
The agreement is expected to contribute nearly £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040.
Continued tariff-free trade in UK steel will prevent an estimated £25 million in annual tariffs.
There will be an agreement to ease SPS checks on animal and plant products, restoring smoother trade flows between Great Britain, the EU, and Northern Ireland.
British products such as sausages and burgers will regain access to the EU market.
⚡ Energy & Climate Action
The UK and EU will link their emissions trading systems (ETS), potentially saving UK firms £800 million annually in avoided carbon border taxes.
Both parties will explore UK participation in the EU’s electricity market for a more integrated, secure, and sustainable energy framework.
🧑🤝🧑 People-to-People Mobility
The UK will rejoin Erasmus+, restoring educational and exchange opportunities for young people.
Negotiations will commence on a youth mobility scheme that allows young individuals to work, study, or volunteer across borders for limited periods.
There is an agreement to expand EU eGate access for UK citizens and introduce ‘pet passports’, facilitating personal travel.
🎣 Fisheries Agreement
Full reciprocal access to each other’s waters has been agreed until 2038, ensuring long-term stability for both EU and UK fishing communities.
This will be supported by £360 million in UK investment in fleet modernization and coastal development.
🧾 Implementation & Institutional Dialogue
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).
Leaders endorsed a renewed Common Understanding on EU-UK cooperation in the following areas:
Law enforcement & judicial cooperation (e.g., DNA, fingerprint, criminal data sharing)
Recognition of professional qualifications
Business mobility and temporary stays
Border security, migration control, and anti-visa abuse cooperation
Joint efforts on drug-related threats through future working arrangements
🔁 Future Engagements & Governance
Annual Leaders’ Summits will be held moving forward.
Foreign and defence ministers will convene every six months.
Regular high-level dialogues will address strategic interests, economy, trade, justice, and home affairs.
⚖️ Respecting Sovereignty
The new partnership does not reintegrate the UK into the EU Single Market, Customs Union, or freedom of movement, thereby preserving post-Brexit sovereignty while enabling practical cooperation.