UK and EU celebrate a 'new strategic partnership' five years after Brexit
Thanks to mutual recognition of phytosanitary standards, British products will be able to enter the European market more easily.
The European Council, with Antonio Costa, the British, Keir Starmer, and the European Commissioner, Ursula von der Leyen.
The UK and EU hailed a “new era” on Monday after reaching a series of agreements on defense, fisheries and food control during their first bilateral summit in London since Brexit five years ago.
After months of negotiations, the UK and EU finalized a defense partnership and extended the fisheries agreement—originally set to expire in 2026—by an additional 12 years, until 2038. This agreement allows European vessels to fish in British waters and vice versa.
In return, British exporters will gain easier access to the European market thanks to the mutual recognition of phytosanitary standards.
In this regard, both sides agreed to reduce food controls in future trade, a key British demand within the framework of the agreement concluded at Lancaster House in London—to strengthen diplomatic and trade relations.
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The Brussels-London health agreement
Brussels and London will establish a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement to facilitate agri-food trade, and they have also committed to “closer cooperation” on emission allowances, enabling British companies to avoid the EU carbon tax.
According to the British government, these measures are expected to contribute nearly £9 billion (almost $12 billion) to the UK economy between now and 2040.
"We are concluding a new strategic partnership fit for our time, which will bring real and tangible benefits on security, irregular immigration, energy prices, agri-food, trade and more, reducing bills, creating jobs and protecting our borders," said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Von der Leyen posted on X that the summit is “a real opportunity to turn the page and write a new chapter in our relationship.”
The meeting at Lancaster House comes amid Starmer’s desire to “reset” relations between the two sides, as well as ongoing tariff tensions with the United States in recent weeks.
Sensitive points in the negotiation
The negotiations also involved sensitive issues, including tensions over fishing quotas and youth mobility.
Brussels wants young Europeans aged 18 to 30 to be able to study or work in the UK for several years—and vice versa—while the Starmer government, which prioritizes reducing immigration, seeks more limited access.
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