UK and EU Reach Landmark Post-Brexit Deal

The UK and EU have reached a deal that covers fishing, trade, defence, energy, and strengthening ties, marking a significant step in post-Brexit relations. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen hailed it as a "new chapter" that benefits both sides, while UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said it moves the UK on from Brexit rows. The deal includes a 12-year fishing quota agreement and potentially easier exports of UK agri-food products to the EU. It also establishes a new defence and security partnership, driven by geopolitical turbulence and the need for cooperation in the face of threats from Russia and the US. While the deal is seen as a "normalisation" of relations, much remains to be negotiated, including specifics on youth mobility, cyber security, energy, and migration, and the agreement is just the beginning of increased diplomatic engagement between the UK and EU.

The UK and EU have significantly expanded their trade and defense partnership in response to shifting relations with the US under President Donald Trump. The two economic powerhouses agreed to increase defense ties, slash red tape, and grant fishing rights to EU vessels off Britain's coastline. The deal, championed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is seen as a "reset" in their relationship. Trump's policies, including tariffs and a hardline push for increased NATO defense spending, have driven the UK and EU to strengthen their ties, with the UK gaining access to an EU defense loan program worth roughly $170 billion.

The United Kingdom and the European Union reached a landmark agreement centered on fishing rights and defense cooperation, five years after Brexit. The deal was announced by British Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds during a summit in London, where UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other senior EU officials. The agreement is seen as a major milestone in resetting relations between the two parties. The deal includes a youth mobility plan allowing young Britons and Europeans to live and work temporarily in each other's territory and aligns standards on the sale of agricultural products. The fishing rights agreement will allow European boats access to UK fishing waters until June 30, 2038. The deal comes as the return of President Donald Trump brings a greater sense of urgency for cooperation between the UK and the EU.

The UK and EU have agreed a new post-Brexit trade deal after months of negotiations. Key points include eGate access for British passport holders, simplified pet travel, and reduced checks on food and drink imports. Fishing rights were a major sticking point, with the EU agreeing to a 12-year extension of current rules, and no change to UK fishing quotas. The deal also includes a new security and defence partnership, and plans to revive the Erasmus student exchange programme. Sir Keir Starmer hailed the deal as a "historic moment", saying "Britain is back on the world stage", while critics including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage described it as a "surrender" and a return to EU rule-taking.

The UK's recent trade deals with the EU and US highlight its diminished position in the post-Brexit era, as it is forced to make concessions to secure agreements. The deals, while demonstrating negotiating agility, have limited scope and occasionally stingy terms, reflecting Britain's reality as a midsize economy among giant trading blocs. The UK had to allow European trawlers to fish in its waters for 12 years and grant greater access to American agricultural products to secure the deals. The agreements will have a relatively small impact on the UK's GDP, with the EU deal adding just 0.2% to GDP by 2040, far short of making up for the 5.5% loss due to Brexit. The UK's trade negotiations are being squeezed between the EU's mercantilism and the US's predatory trade policies, making it a challenging tightrope walk for Prime Minister Keir Starmer.