by Temitope Oladeji
19/5/2025
The United Kingdom and the European Union have reached a landmark agreement aimed at resetting their relationship five years after Brexit, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer predicting the deal could inject nearly £9 billion (€10.6 billion) into the UK economy by 2040.
Central to the agreement is a new permanent sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) arrangement covering plant and animal products.
The UK government says this deal will eliminate some routine checks on goods, particularly easing trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Officials argue that the removal of certain barriers will significantly streamline cross-border commerce.
In exchange, the UK has agreed to extend EU fishing rights in British waters for an additional 12 years.
Despite the concession, the British government maintains that the fishing sector stands to gain through broader access to EU markets as part of the improved SPS framework.
The agreement was unveiled as Prime Minister Starmer hosted senior EU leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, at a high-profile summit in London.
The meeting is the first of its kind since the UK formally exited the EU and reflects a concerted effort to rebuild cooperation across key sectors.
“This is a turning point in our relationship,” Starmer said. “We are committed to rebuilding trust and unlocking new opportunities for both our citizens and businesses.”
The summit produced agreements or progress in several areas:
Youth Mobility
A new “youth experience scheme” has been agreed in principle. The programme, modelled after similar agreements the UK has with Australia and New Zealand, will allow young people to live and work across borders for limited periods.
The scheme will be capped and time-bound. Irish citizens will remain unaffected due to existing provisions under the Common Travel Area.
Migration Cooperation
The UK and EU have pledged further collaboration on managing irregular migration, with particular focus on curbing dangerous Channel crossings and facilitating the return of migrants to their countries of origin.
Travel and Mobility
British travellers to the EU will benefit from expanded access to automated eGates, easing entry into member states.
Additionally, a new “pet passport” system will be introduced, simplifying pet travel by eliminating the need for animal health certificates for cats and dogs.
Security and Defence
One of the most significant developments is the launch of a new security and defence partnership.
The agreement is expected to pave the way for UK participation in the EU’s proposed €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence fund.
Talks will also begin regarding UK access to EU facial image data for law enforcement purposes.
Environmental and Climate Policy
Both parties have agreed to link their carbon trading systems, aligning efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through coordinated market mechanisms.
The new agreement marks a notable shift in tone and substance from years of often fraught post-Brexit negotiations. EU officials hailed the outcome as a constructive step forward.
“We are turning a new page in EU-UK relations,” said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. “This deal reflects our shared values and the need for pragmatic cooperation in an increasingly uncertain world.”
As negotiations continue in specific areas, today’s summit sets a foundation for a more collaborative and mutually beneficial future between the UK and the European Union.