British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to host a summit with European Union leaders in May, as announced by Downing Street, marking cautious steps toward stronger relations with the bloc five years post-Brexit.
Mr. Starmer will receive European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Britain on 19 May for the inaugural “annual summit,” according to his spokesperson.
This event is anticipated to be a significant milestone in the Labour leader’s efforts to enhance ties with the EU, following the tumultuous exit of Britain in 2020 under the former Conservative government.
“The initial UK-EU summit will create an opportunity for further progress in areas that will yield tangible benefits for both the UK and the EU, thereby fortifying the unique bond between the United Kingdom and the European Union,” the spokesperson stated.
Recently, Mr. Starmer hosted German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and is set to welcome Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof to Downing Street today and Thursday, respectively.
Mr. Starmer has committed to fostering more amicable relations with EU neighbors, aiming to establish new agreements with the bloc to invigorate a stagnant British economy.
Red lines and demands
However, he has outlined firm red lines, while the EU has its own preconditions, leading to uncertainties about what both parties can realistically achieve.
Mr. Starmer has pledged that Britain will not rejoin the single market or customs union and has dismissed the idea of resuming freedom of movement.
This cautious stance underscores that Brexit remains a sensitive issue in the UK, alongside the growing influence of the hard-right Reform UK party led by Brexit advocate Nigel Farage.
A YouGov poll released yesterday indicated that Reform is leading for the first time at 25%, with Labour at 24%, although this one-point advantage falls within the margin of error, and the next general election is expected to be four years away.
‘Pragmatic’
Mr. Starmer does seek enhancements to the existing Trade and Co-operation Agreement between the UK and the EU, which is slated for renewal in 2026.
This could involve a new veterinary agreement to facilitate the export of British agricultural products, and a deal on mutual recognition of professional qualifications has also been proposed.
Meanwhile, the European Commission is interested in a mobility program for individuals under 30, which the British government has publicly rejected.
The EU appears more receptive to joining a pan-European and North African customs scheme that facilitates tariff-free trade for certain goods.
Access to British fishing waters for fishermen from European nations is also anticipated to be a contentious issue in negotiations.
Mr. Costa expressed on X that he looks forward to the May summit, noting that yesterday’s discussions in Brussels “confirmed a new positive energy in our relations and a clear interest in close cooperation.”
UK minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, who is steering Britain’s negotiations with the EU, stated that his government’s strategy would be “ruthlessly pragmatic” during a speech in Brussels today.
The UK government is expected to reveal the summit location in due course.
Expected to be at the forefront of discussions is a proposed defense and security pact, which experts believe should be relatively straightforward to finalize.
The potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, along with threats of a possible trade war with the EU, complicates Mr. Starmer’s endeavors to restore relations with the bloc.
Mr. Starmer asserted yesterday that choosing between Europe and the US is not an “either-or” decision.
