United Kingdom Rebuilds Ties with European Union
The new Strategic Partnership between the UK and EU will focus on developing an ambitious and dynamic relationship that meets the needs of citizens, with a renewed agenda for cooperation on security, defense, and development, and will include annual summits to strengthen the relationship and drive progress, and the UK Government's plan to introduce "pet passports" will make it easier for dogs and cats to travel between the UK and EU.
Britain and the European Union have agreed to a significant reset of defense and trade ties, nearly nine years after Brexit, in a deal that includes joint procurement projects, easier access for UK food and visitors to the EU, and a new fishing deal, paving the way for a stronger and more cooperative relationship between the two parties.
The agreement, which was reached after a reevaluation of trade, defense, and security ties, will reduce red tape for food and agricultural producers, making food cheaper, improving energy security, and adding nearly nine billion pounds to the economy by 2040. A defense and security pact will allow Britain to participate in joint procurement and pave the way for British companies to participate in a 150 billion euro program to rearm Europe.
The deal also includes a 12-year agreement on fishing, with British and EU vessels having access to each other's waters, and a limited youth mobility scheme. The UK and EU held their first summit in London on May 19, 2025, reaffirming their shared values and commitment to deeper cooperation, and agreeing on a new Strategic Partnership that aims to develop an ambitious and dynamic relationship that meets the needs of citizens.
The leaders of the UK and EU expressed their resolute condemnation of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, and addressed the situation in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of a lasting and sustainable peace based on the two-state solution. They also recognized the shared challenge of irregular migration, committing to work together to prevent irregular Channel crossings and ensure international protection for those in need.
The summit marked the first step in the new Strategic Partnership, with annual summits planned to strengthen the relationship and drive progress on a renewed agenda for cooperation, and the UK Government has announced plans to introduce "pet passports" for dogs and cats, allowing them to travel more easily by eliminating the need for animal health certificates for every trip.