Keir Starmer met Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels to discuss trade, security, youth mobility, improving U.K.-E.U. ties
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (U.K.) – Keir Starmer has met the President of European Commission – Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels to discuss key issues such as trade, security and youth mobility, to improve U.K. and European Union (E.U.) ties.
After coming to power in July’24, Starmer said his Government will not seek a wholesale negotiation of the Brexit deal but will look to tweak the relationship in a range of areas.
Taking it to X, Starmer tweeted,
The UK is stronger when we work in lockstep with our closest international partners.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 2, 2024
This has never been more important with war, conflict and insecurity all knocking on Europe’s door.
Better co-operation will secure our borders, keep us safe and boost economic growth. pic.twitter.com/AGELbS6g9l
Ursula tweeted,
Dear @Keir_Starmer, in uncertain times, like-minded partners like us must cooperate closely.
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) October 2, 2024
Our alignment on global affairs provides a good foundation for our bilateral relations.
Let's continue to strengthen them ↓ https://t.co/pf3IjgHr34
Both Starmer and Ursula expressed a mutual desire for closer collaboration on security, but other issues, such as trade barriers and the movement of people, remain more complex. The European Commission described the meeting as the “beginning of a conversation” about how the post-Brexit relationship could evolve.
One of the key areas Starmer is seeking to adjust is the reduction of border checks, particularly through a new veterinary agreement. He is also aiming for mutual recognition of professional qualifications and easier access for British artists touring the E.U. Ursula reiterated the E.U.’s position of focusing on the full implementation of the existing withdrawal agreement but showed openness to discussions on future cooperation.
Starmer has already visited Berlin, Paris, Rome and Dublin since the election to lay the groundwork for a reset. As Starmer meets with other E.U. leaders, including The President of the European Council – Charles Michel and the President of the European Parliament – Roberta Metsola, the focus will be on finding common ground while maintaining the core principles of the Brexit settlement.
While Starmer’s warmer tone has been welcomed by E.U. leaders, both sides have recognised that changes in the substance of the relationship will be subject to tough negotiation, even if the main tenets of the Brexit settlement are not touched.
Besides, they agreed on the shared challenges facing the E.U. and the U.K. including the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The leaders agreed the U.K. and the E.U. would also continue to work closely to address wider global challenges including economic headwinds, geopolitical competition, irregular migration, the climate change and energy prices.
The leaders reflected on the events in the Middle East overnight and condemned the egregious attack by Iran on Israel. They recognised Israel’s right to self-defence in the face of this unacceptable aggression.
