Brussels and London have reached a cooperation agreement in areas including fisheries, energy, youth mobility, and defence, following marathon talks that concluded just hours before the start of the first EU–UK summit in the post-Brexit era.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa ratified three documents: a joint statement outlining common ground on key geopolitical challenges, a security and defence partnership document, and a memorandum of understanding.

For both sides, the summit initially aimed to demonstrate how closely aligned they remain on key global issues at a time when the post-war multilateral global order is under strain from Moscow and Beijing—and increasingly questioned by Washington.

The Memorandum of Understanding, which sets the parameters of bilateral relations across a range of areas—including contentious issues such as fishing rights, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regulations, and youth mobility—proved the most challenging, with negotiations continuing through Sunday night.

From a political standpoint, the most difficult topics for host Keir Starmer were the 12-year extension of full mutual access to fishing waters and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice over health and sanitary regulations.

Current fishing rules expire in June 2026, and prior to the agreement, indications were pointing to a five-year extension.

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The EU–UK Strategic Partnership on Security and Defence

As part of efforts to strengthen EU–UK relations, the European Union and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their commitment to regular exchanges of information and views concerning the evolution of their respective initiatives in the field of security and defence. This cooperation includes, among other areas, matters of operational readiness and the development of the defence industry. Additionally, both parties are considering the possibility of mutual participation in relevant defence initiatives, in line with their respective institutional and legal frameworks.

Enhancing Military Mobility

Both sides have committed to deepening their cooperation in the field of military mobility. In this context, the UK is expected to participate in the PESCO project “Military Mobility,” based on the general conditions that exceptionally allow third-country participation in specific projects under Permanent Structured Cooperation.  Simultaneously, emphasis is being placed on ensuring complementarity with ongoing EU–NATO cooperation in this area, aiming to guarantee the swift and unimpeded movement of military personnel and equipment across Europe.

Exploring Cooperation with the European Defence Agency (EDA)

The EU and the UK will also explore the possibility of formalising an Administrative Arrangement between the UK and the European Defence Agency, within the framework of each side’s respective procedures.

Security and Defence Training and Education

EU–UK cooperation will extend into the field of education and training, particularly in areas such as peacebuilding, crisis management, security, and defence. As part of this, the two sides aim to strengthen collaboration between the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) and relevant UK institutions in the field of security and defence training.

The European Union will seek to enhance the UK’s participation in ESDC activities, while the United Kingdom will take the necessary steps to facilitate EU involvement in relevant training programmes it organises. Both parties will promote cross-border participation in each other’s educational initiatives.

Participation in the ESDC Associated Network Partners

Finally, the United Kingdom and the European Union will explore possibilities for cooperation under the ESDC’s Associated Network Partners (ANP) mechanism. Through this framework, UK institutions would be able to co-organise educational and training activities in collaboration with full members of the ESDC Network.

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the agreement marks a “first step” toward enabling the United Kingdom’s participation in EU-related defence programmes and initiatives. However, she stressed that a “second step” or an additional round of negotiations will be necessary before British industry becomes eligible for joint procurement under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative—a programme worth €150 billion.

According to the joint “Common Understanding” document, the United Kingdom and the European Commission should swiftly explore possibilities for enhanced and mutually beneficial cooperation arising from the SAFE instrument, once adopted, and in line with their respective legal frameworks.

The UK’s decision to leave the EU in 2020 significantly restricted the ability of British companies to participate in EU procurement contracts. Although no specific timeline has been announced for a new round of negotiations, the expected progress opens significant prospects for companies such as BAE Systems, Babcock, and Rolls-Royce.

Notably, the current partnership does not yet allow the United Kingdom to participate in the EU’s €150 billion SAFE programme, aimed at boosting joint defence procurements. Key questions remain unresolved—most notably, the extent to which the UK would need to contribute to the EU budget in order to take part.

The SAFE instrument is part of the ReArm Europe initiative, designed to strengthen the EU’s defence industrial base. It includes a “European preference” clause stipulating that approximately 65% of defence systems procured must be manufactured within the EU or in third countries that have signed specific agreements with the Union—a requirement that currently excludes the United Kingdom.

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