This is an important symbolic move to improve relations between the two sides after the ups and downs of eight years since the UK decided to leave the EU (Brexit). With much work still to be done to build a lasting and effective partnership in the challenging post-Brexit era, Starmer’s meetings with EU leaders could be an important start to a new phase in cross-Channel relations.
A change of approach
The Labour Party, which has led the UK government for the first time since 2010, aims to mend strained ties with the EU following tumultuous Brexit negotiations. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose Labour Party won the UK election in July, has pushed for a “reset” of relations with the EU. Unlike previous Conservative governments, Starmer’s Labour government has set out to change its approach to UK-EU relations. Since the election, the British leader has visited Berlin, Paris, Rome and Dublin.
During his visit to Brussels, Belgium, PM Starmer met with EC President Ursula von der Leyen. This was the first discussion between the two leaders of the UK and EU on issues such as trade, security and the movement of young people. Prime Minister Starmer affirmed that his government will not request a full renegotiation of the Brexit deal, but he is looking to adjust the relationship in many areas. Meanwhile, the EU also agrees with Starmer's wish to reach a common security treaty.
Prime Minister Starmer wanted the two sides to cooperate to solve international challenges and establish a practical and good relationship with the EU. The EC spokesperson assessed that this is an opportunity for the two sides to discuss a feasible roadmap for issues of mutual concern.
The UK and the EU have agreed to step up the cooperation program with regular summits, including one scheduled early next year to re-establish the relationship. In a joint statement on October 2, EC President Ursula von der Leyen and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed that they will work together to identify areas of cooperation that are beneficial to both sides, including the economy, energy, and security. Prime Minister Starmer pledged to reduce trade barriers with the EU after Brexit has seriously affected British businesses.
Prime Minister Starmer said the British people want a reasonable and pragmatic approach to relations with the EU to promote economic growth, security and address common challenges such as migration and climate change. However, he also affirmed that he will not return to the EU single market or restore free movement between the two sides.
Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen emphasised consensus on global issues, creating a solid foundation for bilateral relations. She also called for strict implementation of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, the Windsor Framework and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) and affirmed that the EU wants the UK to fully comply with its Brexit obligations before considering improving trade conditions.
Coordinating to address challenges
Prime Minister Starmer’s government faces weak economic growth, poor productivity, low investment, record-high public debt and taxes, while people's living standards have fallen sharply. According to data recently released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK economy grew by only 0.1% in July, marking the second consecutive month of flat growth, while the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the previous month was also unchanged.
In the three months to July 2024, although the UK economy grew by 0.5% and GDP was 1.1% higher than the same period in 2023, the economic performance in the last two months has been weak. Economist Sanjay Raja of Deutsche Bank Research assessed that the UK's July GDP figures were "disappointing", reflecting a broad-based weakness in the entire economy. The Labour government is committed to boosting the economy and improving people's lives, making economic growth a national mission.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to strengthen Britain's ties with its EU allies to address pressing challenges, such as supporting Ukraine and tackling people smuggling. Border security will be at the heart of the plan to strengthen ties with the EU. In 2023, more than 380,000 undocumented migrants crossed into the EU, including tens of thousands to the UK.
Dismantling gangs that organise illegal border crossings across the English Channel is one of the issues that the Starmer government must deal with. Although he has ruled out the possibility of Britain rejoining the EU's single market and customs union, Mr Starmer is keen to negotiate a new security agreement with the EU, as well as an agreement to ease border controls on agricultural products and a better bilateral trade deal.
Prime Minister Starmer’s meeting with EU leaders marks a key moment in post-Brexit UK-EU relations. It is a precursor to formal discussions expected to begin later this year, focusing on security arrangements, among other issues. Plans are underway for the first bilateral summit between the UK and EU next year, both of which demonstrate a shared interest in resetting ties.
However, the path to deepening cooperation is fraught with challenges, with the UK and EU prioritising different outcomes from the talks. The UK focuses on defence cooperation, easing food checks and creating special visas for touring artists without re-entering the single market and customs union. In contrast, the EU’s demands include a youth mobility pact, energy cooperation and full implementation of existing post-Brexit agreements.
While there is consensus that the UK’s proposals for security arrangements are feasible, EU diplomats have expressed concern about the lack of detail from the UK side. Another point of contention is the UK’s reluctance to join the EU’s proposed youth mobility scheme, which would allow young citizens to stay in the destination country for up to four years, while the UK government, wary of its impact on migration, has been reluctant to accept the proposal.
Prime Minister Starmer has stressed the importance of moving beyond Brexit and forging a pragmatic relationship with the EU, focusing on security, economic growth and cooperation. However, differences between the two sides remain a major obstacle to the Labour leader’s roadmap for a “reset” of relations with the EU.
