Britain Resets Defence and Trade Ties with EU after Trump Upends Global Order

Strategic Insights -

Britain has agreed to its most significant reset of defence and trade ties with the European Union since Brexit, nearly nine years after it voted to leave the bloc. The move comes after US President Donald Trump's upending of the global order forced Britain and the EU to rework their relationships. The reset includes joint procurement projects, easier access for UK food and visitors to the EU, and a new contentious fishing deal.

Key Takeaways:

  • Britain will take part in joint procurement projects with the EU, including a 150 billion euro defence programme to rearm Europe.
  • The agreement will make it easier for UK food and visitors to reach the EU, and will reduce red tape for food and agricultural producers.
  • British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has agreed to a defence and security pact with the EU, allowing British companies to participate in joint procurement projects.
  • The reset will add nearly 9 billion pounds ($12.1 billion) to the economy by 2040, and will improve energy security.
  • The UK and EU have agreed to a 12-year deal allowing British and EU vessels to have access to each other's waters.
  • Britain has agreed to the outline of a limited youth mobility scheme with the EU, with details to be hammered out in future.

Statistics:

  • The agreement will add nearly 9 billion pounds ($12.1 billion) to the economy by 2040.
  • The defence and security pact will let Britain be part of a 150 billion euro ($167 billion) programme to rearm Europe.
  • Britain and EU vessels will have access to each other's waters for 12 years.
  • The UK and EU have agreed to a reduction in paperwork and border checks for small food producers.

Sources:

  • "Britain resets defence and trade ties with EU after Trump upends global order" by [Syndication: Cyprus Mail] 2022
  • Trade experts (unnamed)