Source: European Parliament
Amid Brexit’s negative consequences for the British economy and with the 2024 leadership change in the United Kingdom, the shift towards closer European Union-UK relations has gained momentum. After months of negotiation, the first EU-UK leaders’ summit took place in London on 19 May 2025. Both sides agreed on global priorities of common strategic interest, such as support for multilateralism and Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The parties also established a Security and Defence Partnership, based on biannual structured foreign policy dialogue and consultation mechanisms to facilitate the exchange of information and cooperation. To this end, regular thematic dialogues on a range of security issues will commence. The partnership paves the way for UK participation in the EU’s common joint defence procurement (SAFE initiative). The summit cemented an accord on full reciprocal access to fishing waters until 30 June 2038. The UK and EU also agreed to extend energy cooperation on a permanent basis. Further negotiations will continue, on the youth mobility scheme (including UK participation in Erasmus+), UK participation in the EU’s internal electricity market, linking emission trading systems and establishing a common sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) area. Many experts see the summit as an important step towards further rapprochement, as the UK indicated willingness to dynamically align some of its laws with the EU legal framework, recognise the authority of the Court of Justice of the EU and cooperate closely on security and defence issues. However, some point to a lack of milestones and solid progress monitoring tools. In numerous resolutions, the European Parliament has called for closer cooperation on trade, security and for UK participation in several EU programmes. Parliament will be involved in scrutinising any implementing legislation and giving or refusing consent if further binding international agreements, such as the SPS area, materialise as a result of the London summit.