The new Labor Government of United Kingdomheaded by the prime minister Keir Starmerhas repeatedly expressed its desire to “restart” relations with the European Union (EU), deteriorated after years of tensions generated by the Brexit and subsequent negotiations with the British Conservatives. From Brussels, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyenhas expressed its willingness to improve ties, although several EU member countries insist that London must clarify how far it is willing to go in this new stage.
Starmer and Von der Leyen met this Wednesday in Brussels to explore opportunities for cooperation, although they left the fundamental agreements that emerged from Brexit out of the discussion. This visit represents the first by a British head of government to the community capital since 2019and comes at a time when both sides are aligned on geopolitical issues but still differ in other key areas for future collaboration.
One of the most sensitive issues is the possible signing of a youth mobility agreement between the United Kingdom and the EUwhich could partially restore freedom of movement, a pillar of the old link between both blocs. The EU has expressed interest in making it easier for young British people to live and study temporarily in one of the Twenty-seven member countries, an idea that the EU ambassador to the United Kingdom, Pedro Serranohas described as beneficial for both parties. However, Starmer has flatly rejected any proposal that the British Eurosceptics could be interpreted as a return to freedom of movement.
The Starmer Government faces internal pressure on this issue, as even the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooperwho in his day opposed the Brexithas been opposed to any plan that could increase immigration numbers in the country. This resistance suggests that any possible agreement on youth mobility between London and Brussels will be complex and limited, which has raised doubts about the new Labor Government’s true desire to improve relations with Europe.
Defense agreements between London and Brussels
Despite these tensions, Starmer has expressed interest in strengthening cooperation in areas such as defense. During their visit to Brussels, both sides agreed to jointly define the areas in which this collaboration would be beneficial and planned a summit for early next year. The meeting also included meetings with the president of the European Council, Charles Micheland the president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsolamarking a significant change in the tone of relations between the EU and the United Kingdom after years of friction.
Von der Leyen stressed the importance of fully implementing agreements already in place, while Starmer stressed that British citizens want a return to pragmatic leadership to make Brexit work and address common challenges, such as security, irregular migration and climate change. Both leaders agreed to meet again this fall to continue defining cooperation priorities.
However, in Brussels doubts persist about the clarity of the British approach. Several Member States have expressed concern that London is cherry-picking areas of cooperation, without a concrete plan beyond existing agreements. Despite this, in the EU they recognize Starmer’s will to carry out this “reset” in bilateral relations.
Starmer’s trip to Brussels is part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties with Europe. Since his inauguration, the British Prime Minister has also visited Berlin, Rome, Dublin and Parisseeking to cement a new type of relationship with the continent after the difficult Brexit divorce, which continues to mark British politics and its ties with the EU. @mundiario
