Five years after **Brexit**, the **commercial rapprochement** between the **United Kingdom** and the **European Union (EU)** has started to gain momentum. According to a statement released on Saturday May 17 by **Downing Street**, British Prime Minister **Keir Starmer** announced that he aims to conclude a **new agreement** this week with the EU, emphasizing that it will serve the **national interest** of the UK.
This announcement comes as European Commission President **Ursula von der Leyen**, European Council President **Antonio Costa**, and head of European diplomacy **Kaja Kallas** are expected in London for the first bilateral summit between the UK and EU since the tense divorce caused by Brexit in 2020.
The **multisectoral agreement**, although details remain unclear, aims to promote **trade** by simplifying **administrative formalities** introduced as a result of Brexit. It is also expected to enhance **security** through increased cooperation between the UK and the EU, according to the Prime Minister’s office, which has been actively working to strengthen ties with the bloc since Starmer’s administration began in July.
In a press release on Monday, Starmer articulated, *“We will take a new step forward and offer even more advantages in the UK thanks to a reinforced partnership with the European Union. It will be good for our jobs, good for our invoices, and our borders.”*
“Red Lines” and Concessions
Ongoing negotiations surrounding this agreement encapsulate some **tensions** over sensitive issues, including **fishing quotas** and youth mobility. The Downing Street press release does not clarify if the leaders will announce the anticipated **defense and security partnership agreement**.
Both parties recognize the advantage of closer collaboration regarding **defense**, particularly in light of Europe’s need to recalibrate responses in the face of the **Russian** threat. Trust in **American security** commitment to Europe seems to be waning under President **Donald Trump**. Downing Street conveyed an intention to ensure that *“Safety and security are not compromised by a lack of cooperation between neighboring countries.”*
Starmer emphasized that the British “**deserve better** than the agreement concluded by the previous government.” However, he reminded, “**Red lines**” will be strictly maintained, though specifics were not provided.
While Starmer dismissed the notion of rejoining the **single market** or the **customs union**, he suggested that the UK is willing to align dynamically with EU standards concerning **food and agricultural products** to facilitate smoother trade.
Regarding freedom of movement, another **“Red line,”** Mr. Starmer seems open to concessions concerning a **reciprocal mobility program** for young people to study and work in the UK and EU, as advocated by Brussels. He stated, *“The mobility of young people is not freedom of movement,”* during an interview with **Time** on Saturday.
“The United Kingdom Will Not Retrench”
In addition, some EU nations have linked other requests to the agreement, such as the renewal of **European fishermen’s access** to British waters.
Starmer and von der Leyen discussed these topics on Friday in Albania at the **European political community (CPE)** summit, attempting to break through some impasses.
As Starmer articulated, *“In this period of great uncertainty and volatility, the United Kingdom will not react by falling back on itself but will proudly take its place on the world stage, strengthening its alliances and concluding agreements.”*
Following trade agreements with **India** and the **United States** in recent weeks, this emerging partnership underscores the UK’s determination to be recognized as *”A country with which people want to do business again,”* according to Downing Street.
On the commercial front, this agreement is poised to alleviate some **administrative burdens** associated with exports to the EU, emphasizing that the EU remains the UK’s *“closest trading partner,”* ultimately aiming to improve pricing and product availability in British supermarkets.