Aydan Abdullayeva
31/05/2025
No one expected the EU and UK to warm up to each other so soon after Brexit, but the recent summit at Lancaster House showed that political will and shared interests can shift things faster than expected. In a current political climate where division often dominates the headlines, this summit offered something different: a cautious but promising shift toward rebuilding. Many European officials saw it as the beginning of a more structured and promising partnership. Additionally, the location being Lancaster House, which has a long history of hosting important diplomatic gatherings, was not just chosen for symbolic reasons. It demonstrated that both parties were prepared to have a meaningful conversation.
One of the summit's most important achievements was improved security and defense cooperation. The UK was officially granted access to the EU’s Strategic Autonomy and Future Equipment (SAFE) program, a €150 billion initiative with aim of strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities and boosting innovation in the sector. From a political economy perspective, this move suggests a realignment of the UK’s external strategy; for a nation that has long adopted a liberal-market orientation, this re-engagement with continental Europe represents a move towards strategic interdependence. Although it does not have voting powers, the UK may now obtain financing for emerging technologies and take part in collaborative initiatives as a member of SAFE. In practice, this gives British defense firms access to a major European market and strengthens the EU’s ambitions to become a more independent strategic actor. For once, it feels like both sides are getting what they need: the UK boosts its relevance in European security, and the EU gets back one of its best military players. The geopolitical context makes this even more urgent, especially taking into account Russia’s war in Ukraine and NATO facing internal issues. So, there is a renewed recognition of the need for multi-level governance in defense policy. The UK's participation in SAFE may also stimulate joint R&D investment and revitalize parts of the British defense sector that have struggled post-Brexit. From a realist lens, this is about regaining strategic relevance. From a liberal-institutionalist view, it is about embedding cooperation into durable, institutional frameworks that outlast electoral cycles.
Trade was another area where real progress was made - especially in sectors where Brexit’s impact has been hardest. A new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement was announced by the two parties, which would decrease border inspections of food and agricultural goods. This might be a game-changer for UK food exporters, who have been dealing with severe problems since 2020. The Guardian claims that by reducing red tape and delays, the deal may improve the UK economy by £9 billion. Farmers, small suppliers, and customers on both sides of the Channel are relieved, so it is not only a gain for big business. It is important to note that the SPS agreement is political as well as economic. It demonstrates that regulatory collaboration is not restricted to EU membership. Both parties agreed to acknowledge each other's standards without reducing them. The UK and EU are now adopting a more positive stance rather than reverting to defensive tactics, demonstrating that compromise does not mean weakness but rather maturity. And perhaps the most encouraging change was the new youth mobility program that was introduced during the summit, enabling individuals between the ages of 18 and 30 to travel, work, and study more freely between the UK and the EU. Many young people, especially students and those who are just starting their careers, see this as a step towards regaining some of the privileges that were taken away following Brexit. It is not full freedom of movement, but it is something. Not to mention, there was also some good news on education: official talks have reopened about the UK possibly rejoining Erasmus+, the EU’s student exchange program. And the fact that this conversation is even happening again is a clear sign of changing attitudes. In addition to helping students, a return to Erasmus+ would signify a larger commitment to overcoming intellectual and cultural splits.
But maybe the most important takeaway from the summit was the decision to make it a regular thing. From now on, EU-UK summits like this will happen every two years, rotating between different capitals. This might not sound flashy, but in diplomatic terms, it is a big deal. When conversation is institutionalized, communication will not abruptly break down even when political leadership changes, which is inevitable. Over the previous few years, both sides seem to have learned this lesson the hard way. In contrast to prior interactions, the general atmosphere was significantly different. This conference seemed more grounded after years of disagreements and resentment between the parties. No big promises, no pretentious claims. There is only a mutual understanding that the UK and EU can carry on although they will not return to their previous state.
There are still problems that need to be addressed, like the future of Northern Ireland's economic agreements and more general concerns about legislative disparity. However, this meeting shown that the UK and EU are at least open to discussing such topics in a more organized and transparent manner. That is, in fact, progress. It was impossible not to sense a positive change when Starmer, von der Leyen, and Costa shook hands at the conclusion of the press conference. This summit was a reminder that collaboration is always worthwhile and that diplomacy is still important.
Reference list:
- Elgot, J., O’Carroll, L., & Carrell, S. (2025, May 19). Deal with EU will make food cheaper and add £9bn to UK economy, says No 10. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/19/deal-with-eu-will-make-food-cheaper-and-add-9bn-to-uk-economy-says-no-10
- “EU-UK Summit.” Consilium, 2025, consilium.europa.eu/en/meetings/international-summit/2025/05/19/
- News Desk. (2025, May 21). UK-EU deal will remove certain border checks on food | Food Safety News. Food Safety News. https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2025/05/uk-eu-deal-will-remove-certain-border-checks-on-food/
- Security and defence partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. (2025, May 19). GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-eu-security-and-defence-partnership/security-and-defence-partnership-between-the-european-union-and-the-united-kingdom-of-great-britain-and-northern-ireland
- Youth at the heart of the EU - UK relationship. (2025, May 20). Erasmus+. https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/news/youth-at-the-heart-of-the-eu-uk-relationship
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