Sir Keir Starmer will visit Brussels next week to meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and begin talks on what he hopes will be a “reset” of Britain’s relationship with the EU after Brexit.
The long-awaited meeting was decided in New York on Wednesday after Starmer and von der Leyen held brief talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Starmer had long spoken of his desire to rebuild relations with the EU, but there was frustration in Brussels over rebuilding relations with the bloc. lack of clarity I’m willing to give in to what he wants.
british prime minister said in X On Wednesday he said: “I want to reset our relationship with the EU and make Brexit work for the British people. I hope to visit Brussels next week to start discussions.”
von der leyen responded In his X post, he said he hoped to meet Starmer in Brussels next week to “discuss restoring the EU-UK relationship”.
The two leaders have not held formal talks since Starmer became prime minister on July 4, and von der Leyen has been involved in the political process surrounding her re-election for a second term as commission president.
However, Starmer has met a number of EU leaders since taking office, including France’s Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s Olaf. Scholz The Italian Giorgia Meloni aims to repair the tense relations with Italy.
During a visit to Berlin last month, Starmer said he was “absolutely clear” about his desire to restore good relations with the EU, eight years after Britain voted to leave the bloc.
But he added: “That does not mean undoing Brexit or re-entering the single market or customs union.”
“But that means closer ties on many fronts, including the economy, defense and the currency market.”
The EU proposed: Youth mobility plan As part of the deal with Britain, it is aimed at 18- to 30-year-olds, but Starmer has resisted any appearance of restoring free movement.
But for the post-Brexit deal to improve for the UK, Starmer will inevitably have to make concessions to the EU.
Starmer said he wanted a veterinary agreement with the EU to ease barriers to food and animal trade, mutual recognition of professional qualifications and a deal making it easier for British musicians to tour the region.
The Prime Minister also wants a security deal – which he says Britain can make a significant contribution to Europe’s defense and intelligence services – and greater cooperation to tackle illegal immigration.
In addition to the youth mobility deal, the EU is expected to demand better access to UK fishing waters. Starmer’s meeting with von der Leyen marks the beginning of what could be a long process.
EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds is responsible for organizing preparations for next week’s meeting in Brussels.
in interview Thomas Symonds told the Financial Times in July that he expected British and EU politicians and officials to return to boardrooms regularly on a scale not seen since the withdrawal agreement was negotiated.
He said the UK wanted “a structured dialogue to take place as soon as possible” to forge closer ties on issues such as security, trade and immigration, adding that the UK also called for a summit between the UK and the EU.
