Britain and EU Seek New Era of Cooperation Amid Shifting Global Landscape

As the United Kingdom formally exited the European Union five years ago, the two sides are now moving towards a new era of cooperation. A summit on Monday in London is expected to announce a landmark defense and security agreement, paving the way for a fresh start. The agreement aims to bolster military security in Europe as the United States downgrades its commitment to the continent. Negotiators are also expected to discuss plans to relax rules on food trade and deepen energy cooperation.

Key Takeaways:

• The summit will focus on a new defense and security pact, which is expected to include a 150 billion euro loan program to fund joint defense procurement.
• The European Union has been rolling out programs to shore up its military sector, galvanized by Russia's aggression toward Ukraine, as well as evidence that Moscow is conducting a hybrid war of sabotage and espionage on European streets.
• Britain, which chose to leave the EU, is pushing for inclusion in the 150 billion euro loan program, but some EU countries, notably France, want to limit its participation.
• The Brexit trade deal negotiated by Boris Johnson largely favored the European Union, and the UK is seeking to reduce or remove some trade controls, including on exports of food and animal products.
• The UK is negotiating from a position of weakness, as the trade and cooperation agreement works quite well for the EU.
• The EU is pushing for Britain to align its standards with Europe, change relevant laws when Brussels does, and accept rulings from the European Court of Justice.
• The two sides have been negotiating toward a "youth mobility scheme" that would offer visas to some young people to work, study, or travel within each other's borders.
• Access to fishing waters has been another major sticking point, with the EU wanting to extend its access to British waters, which Britain had been floating a shorter-term deal.

Statistics:

• 150 billion euro loan program to fund joint defense procurement.
• Brexit trade deal negotiated by Boris Johnson largely favored the European Union.
• 5 years since the UK formally exited the European Union.
• 2026: the deal expires for the EU's access to British waters.
• 4 years: the shorter-term deal Britain had been floating for EU's access to British waters.

Sources:

• The New York Times
• Bloomberg
• U.K. in a Changing Europe, a think tank in London
• King's College London