Macron's Brexit Reset: A New Era of EU-UK Relations

Strategic Insights -

Emmanuel Macron's historic three-day state visit to the UK marks a significant shift in EU-UK relations, with the French President seeking to cement Britain's place in a "multi-speed Europe" and rekindle old alliances. The visit comes on the heels of a Reset agreement, reached in principle in May, which has seen the UK align with EU plant and animal health rules, cede access to UK fishing waters for 12 years, and sign a defence pact. This new era of cooperation has been hailed as a "very pragmatic rapprochement" by Elysée officials, with Macron and Starmer set to meet and discuss the future of EU-UK relations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Macron-led Elysée has described the UK as a "major partner" in the European Political Community (EPC) summits held since Sir Keir's election, with Britain playing a key role in shaping EU policy and security co-operation.
  • The EPC, a six-monthly meeting of EU and non-EU European leaders, is part of Macron's vision of a "multi-speed Europe," where non-EU countries orbit the core EU members, dominated by France.
  • The proposed defence pact, included in the Reset agreement, will formalise foreign policy and security co-operation, allowing Britain to participate in EU defence spending programmes and aligning the UK with EU plant and animal health rules.
  • Fishermen and migration issues have been a key point of contention in the Brexit negotiations, with Macron agreeing to a "one in, one out" deal to return Channel migrants to France, but EU member states now objecting to the pact.
  • The visit marks a significant shift in EU-UK relations, with Macron and Starmer set to meet and discuss the future of EU-UK relations, and Macron set to pay tribute to British and French history, including a wreath-laying ceremony at Winston Churchill's statue and a visit to the General Charles de Gaulle statue.
  • The war in Ukraine and questions over Donald Trump's commitment to European security have led to a renewed focus on EU-UK relations, with Britain and France being forced back together again as members of the UN Security Council.

Statistics:

  • The Reset agreement has seen the UK sign away access to UK fishing waters for 12 years, an astonishing concession.
  • The UK has agreed to become a rule-taker from Brussels in regard to EU plant and animal health rules, cementing its place in the "multi-speed Europe."
  • The proposed defence pact will allow Britain to participate in EU defence spending programmes and aligning the UK with EU foreign policy and security co-operation.

Sources:

  • "Byline: James Crisp, Europe Editor Brexit reset In Emmanuel Macron's Brexit war with Britain, there could only ever be one winner. Peace had to be bought with 12 years of British fish; a tribute surrendered by a Prime Minister who began reversing Brexit as soon as he got into office."
  • Elysée official, cited in the article, describing the UK as a "major partner" in the European Political Community (EPC) summits held since Sir Keir's election.
  • European Commission, cited in the article, describing the EPC as a six-monthly meeting of EU and non-EU European leaders.
  • Emmanuel Macron, cited in the article, discussing his vision of a "multi-speed Europe."