EU-UK Leaders' Summit - May 19th
May 19th saw the first EU–UK Summit since the United Kingdom formally withdrew from the European Union.
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The summit, which was hosted in Lancaster House, central London, brought together European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, HRVP Kaja Kallas, Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
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At the end of the meeting, the leaders adopted three documents:
- - Joint Statement
- - Security and Defence Partnership
- - Common Understanding on a renewed agenda for European Union – United Kingdom cooperation
Security and Defence
The new partnership will enable the UK to participate in common procurement actions under the SAFE instrument. Under SAFE, the Commission will raise up to €150 billion to help EU Member States invest in common procurement projects. Countries with a security and defence partnership, like the one concluded by the UK, will be allowed to participate in the common procurements together with Member States, ensuring interoperability with allies and helping to reduce costs.
The Partnership also opens the door to another agreement that would allow British companies to participate in the common procurements by EU Member States.
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During the closing press conference, President von der Leyen commended this crucial achievement, in particular for its potential to help Ukraine defend itself now and in the future. “It will create new opportunities and, as I said, enable stronger, more coordinated support also for Ukraine. That is important, either through joint procurement of military capabilities that then are brought to Ukraine, or for direct investment in Ukraine's defence industry. We stand united behind Ukraine's fight for survival and that we are strongly committed to a full and unconditional ceasefire leading to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” the President said.
A renewed EU-UK agenda
The EU and the UK also reached agreements on several economic fronts that will boost prosperity on both sides of the Channel and will contribute to the fight against climate change.
Both sides agreed on reciprocal access for fishers until 2038, ensuring stability and predictability for fishing communities and businesses. They also agreed on continuing tariff-free trade in steel products.
The EU and the UK will negotiate a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, which would considerably reduce administrative burdens for exporters on both sides, as movements of animal and plant products could happen without SPS checks.
In the field of energy and climate, both partners will seek an accord on the participation of the UK in the EU's electricity market. They will also seek to link their respective emissions trading systems, which in turn could lead to mutual exemptions from their respective Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms.
People to people exchange
People-to-people exchanges are an important aspect for the EU. As President von der Leyen said: “Millions of families and friendships are on both sides of the Channel. Therefore, I am so glad that we have agreed that we will have Erasmus+ for young people and that we will work towards a youth experience scheme, just about this experience. This will allow the next generation to once again live and study in each other's countries, and this will build friendships that will last a lifetime.”
The new scheme on which work now begins will be limited in terms of the age of the participants and the time they can spend abroad. It will also be subject to specific conditions.
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A new chapter in EU-UK relations
Speaking at the summit, High Representative/Vice President Kaja Kallas remarked: “A new chapter in EU–UK relations starts today in London. In a world of growing challenges, we, united by common values, choose partnership and shared purpose. Because close friends stick together” (X).
Looking ahead - more to come
Finally, it was announced that, as of this year, bilateral summits will be held every year at Leaders' level, while the EU High Representative, and the UK Foreign and Defence Secretaries will meet every six months for consultations on foreign and security issues of common interest.
A historic milestone
Ambassador Pedro Serrano took part in a panel discussion hosted by Chatham House, focusing on the future of the EU-UK relationship following the Summit. Reflecting on the significance of the event, Ambassador Serrano described the first-ever EU-UK Summit as a historic milestone, marking the beginning of a new chapter. “We’ve turned a page and opened a new chapter: like-minded partners, united in values and purpose, are stronger when we stand together,” he noted (X). Watch the full conversation here.
More information
Questions and answers on the package agreed at EU-UK Summit
Security and Defence Partnership
EU-UK Summit page on the Council's website
Audiovisual coverage of the summit
