In a historic event at Egmont Palace, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer engaged with EU leaders for the first time since Brexit, aiming to improve relations through his “Brexit Reset” initiative. The informal summit focused on defense policy amidst rising European military spending due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Starmer plans to propose a security pact while addressing trade barriers and professional qualifications, all while managing tensions with Trump’s trade threats and balancing UK-EU relations.
Historic Meeting at Egmont Palace
In 1972, British Prime Minister Edward Heath faced fierce opposition from EU-skeptical demonstrators as he arrived at the Egmont Palace in Brussels to finalize the UK’s entry into the European Community. Inside the grand neoclassical venue, an activist disguised as a journalist even splashed black ink on him, highlighting the tensions of that era.
Fast forward to Monday evening, and Keir Starmer, the Labour Prime Minister who has been in office since last summer, was greeted with a much warmer reception at a dinner with EU heads of state and government at the same palace. This visit marked a significant moment, as it was the first time a British Prime Minister had engaged with EU counterparts since the conclusion of Brexit five years ago. Starmer’s appearance is seen as a pivotal step in his initiative to mend UK-EU relations, aptly titled “Brexit Reset.”
Focus on Defense Policy and Future Relations
The informal EU summit centered on defense policy, an area where the UK, as a nuclear and regional military power, can contribute significantly. The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and pressures from American President Donald Trump have prompted European nations to ramp up their defense spending.
Discussions have emerged around a “coalition of the willing,” potentially inclusive of the UK and Norway, both NATO members but not part of the EU. However, the specifics of arms cooperation remain vague. Starmer aims to propose a comprehensive security pact to EU nations, hoping this will foster goodwill and ease trade restrictions post-Brexit.
Recent polls indicate a growing sentiment among the British public that Brexit was a mistake. In light of this and the apprehension surrounding a renewed European debate, Starmer has ruled out rejoining the EU or returning to the single market or customs union, making only minor relaxations a realistic possibility.
A formal meeting with EU leaders is scheduled for May 19 in London, where topics will include enhancing recognition of professional qualifications and establishing a veterinary agreement. The latter could reduce trade barriers for food and agricultural products, though it may require the UK to adopt certain EU laws and accept rulings from the European Court of Justice. Additionally, EU nations have counter-demands, such as access to British fishing grounds, which will need to be renegotiated by the summer of 2026.
While Starmer seeks to ease trade barriers with the EU, tensions with Trump loom large, as he threatens new transatlantic trade barriers. Over the weekend, Trump not only threatened the EU with tariffs but also criticized Britain’s trade policy. However, he expressed optimism about resolving differences with London and spoke positively about his relationship with Starmer.
The British Liberal Democrats have called on Starmer to pursue entry into the EU customs union and align closely with the EU amid the looming trade conflict. Conversely, Conservative representatives and the right-wing Reform Party advocate for a stronger alliance with Trump.
Starmer emphasized during his visit to Brussels that his government aims to maintain a delicate balance between the EU and the USA. He asserted that collaborating with partners on both sides of the Atlantic is in the national interest, thereby refraining from overtly supporting the Europeans in the face of Trump’s threats. The success of Starmer’s balancing act remains to be seen.