The United Kingdom and the European Union will meet in London on Monday to discuss the closer links at their first official summit from Brexit. The meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and senior EU officials, including the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, aims to pave the way for a new agreement between the two parties. We hope that an agreement could improve the British economy, which was struck by a drop in EU trade caused by the increase in costs and administrative formalities after the United Kingdom has left the block in 2020. Resetting relationships Since it became Prime Minister in July, Starmer has sought to reset relations with the EU, after years of tensions following the Brexit British referendum on June 23, 2016. Post-Brexit relations were governed by a trade agreement negotiated by the Prime Minister of the time, Boris Johnson. Starmer thinks that this can be improved in a way that stimulates trade and strengthens security. We do not know what will be announced at the summit, but Starmer said on Sunday that there would be an agreement, following trade agreements that the United Kingdom has concluded in recent weeks with India and the United States. “Tomorrow, we take another step forward, with even more advantages for the United Kingdom following a strengthened partnership with the European Union,” he said. “It will be good for our jobs, good for our invoices and good for our borders.” Look for a better deal Since the Labor Party returned to power after 14 years of conservative government, a period which was widely marked by the moment preceding Brexit vote and its consequences, the two parties sought to improve relations. This was the most obvious in the more coordinated response to the large-scale invasion of Ukraine in Russia following a change of approach to Washington after the return of the United States President Donald Trump. Starmer, who campaigned for the United Kingdom to remain in the EU in the referendum and subsequently asked for a second vote, said that he wanted a better agreement with the block of 27 countries which would smooth trade between the two parties and strengthen security cooperation, including on defense purchases. Non -tariff barriers Although no price is slapped on the export of goods between the two sides, a range of non -tariff obstacles, including more expensive border controls and laborious documents, has made trade more difficult. The restrictions on post-Brexit visas also hampered the cross-border activities of services professionals, such as bankers or lawyers, as well as cultural exchanges, including touring groups and school trips. Before the summit – The first of what was to be annual events – Starmer said that good progress had been made in the negotiations, while insisting that the United Kingdom will not violate its red lines. In its electoral manifesto last year, plowing said that it would not join the single market and customs without friction of the EU, or accept the free movement of people between the United Kingdom and the EU. Security, defense and mobility of young people The discussions on strengthening links have largely focused on security and defense and on a mobility plan for young people who would allow young British and European to live and work temporarily in the territory of the other. This remains a politically delicate problem in the United Kingdom, given by some Brexiteers as a step towards free movement-although the United Kingdom already has mobility provisions of young people with countries like Australia and Canada. The Minister of the Cabinet, Nick Thomas-Symonds, who is to carry out negotiations, said that the talks with the EU went down “to The Wire”. The question of fishing The summit is expected to lead to more intense discussions on a range of questions, including the alignment of standards for the sale of agricultural products that could eliminate expensive food controls exported through the English chain, narrower energy links and a new fishing pact. Although he does not provide details, Thomas-Symonds said he was convinced that trade could be improved for imports of food and exports. “We know that we have had trucks awaiting 16 hours, fresh food at the rear cannot be exported, because frankly, it only leaves, administrative formalities, all the necessary certifications, we absolutely want to reduce this,” he told the BBC. Disagreements would remain on fishing, an economically minor problem but symbolically important for the United Kingdom and EU member states like France. The disputes on the question almost derailed an agreement on Brexit in 2020. Starmer’s falling popularity As in all negotiations, some compromises can be difficult, especially for Starmer, whose popularity has dropped in recent months. Earlier this month, the anti-immigration reform and the reform of the UK pro-Brexit won the major local elections. Starmer knows that he will face likely accusations of “betraying Brexit”, regardless of the results of talks. The Trump still dilk, which supported Brexit, could also be a potential puzzle for Starmer. “Resets could always be bare by disagreements on how to consolidate existing areas of cooperation such as fisheries and / or external factors, such as a negative United States in the United Kingdom in search of closer links with the EU,” said Jannike Wachowiak, research partner in the United Kingdom in a changing Europe.
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