The United Kingdom and the European Union have signed a sweeping new deal aimed at resetting their post-Brexit relationship, easing restrictions on trade, travel, and defence cooperation in what leaders described as a “historic moment.”
The agreement, unveiled on Monday at a high-level summit in London, follows months of intense negotiations and is the most significant step toward rebuilding trust and cooperation between the two sides since the UK formally left the EU in 2020.
Calling the deal “a new chapter,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told Prime Minister Keir Starmer, “We’re turning a page. We’re opening a new chapter in our unique relationship.” Starmer, in turn, declared: “Britain is back on the world stage.”
The new pact covers a broad range of issues — from easing border red tape for exporters to expanding defence and youth mobility cooperation. Yet, it has not been without political fallout at home. Starmer is already facing criticism from populist right-wing figures who argue the deal compromises UK sovereignty.
Smoothing the trade waters
A major component of the agreement is aimed at easing friction in trade between the UK and the EU, especially for British exporters. Under the new terms, routine checks on animal and plant products entering the EU will be eliminated, and businesses will face significantly fewer regulatory hurdles.
Downing Street said these changes would help reduce food prices and improve choice for UK consumers, all while maintaining the government’s core Brexit commitments — namely staying out of the EU’s single market and customs union.
“We’re moving toward a common sanitary and phytosanitary area,” von der Leyen said, highlighting the benefits for farmers, fishers, and food producers on both sides of the Channel.
The EU remains Britain’s largest trading partner, accounting for 41% of UK exports and over half of its imports. Conversely, the UK is the EU’s second-largest market for goods exports, according to Eurostat.
Fishing, energy and economic cooperation
The two sides have also reached a new fisheries agreement, extending EU boats’ access to British waters for 12 more years beyond the current arrangement, which expires in 2026.
In energy, the EU has agreed to open its electricity market to the UK, a move both sides see as a step toward greater energy security and reduced prices amid global instability.
The deal comes at a time when global trade has been rocked by new US tariffs under President Donald Trump. In a joint statement, the UK and EU reaffirmed their commitment to “free, sustainable, fair and open trade.”
With the backdrop of war in Ukraine and uncertain US defence commitments under Trump, the UK and EU also agreed to launch a formal defence partnership. This will allow British firms to bid on EU-wide defence contracts and participate in joint procurement schemes.
“This will increase our readiness and close military gaps,” von der Leyen said.
Mobility and Erasmus return
The agreement includes a proposed youth mobility scheme, allowing people under 30 to live and work across the Channel with greater ease. Starmer stressed this is not a return to the full freedom of movement the UK enjoyed as an EU member, but European officials see the deal as a practical step toward mutual benefit.
British students also stand to regain access to the Erasmus exchange programme, a long-cherished benefit for those studying abroad in Europe.
“This will allow the next generation to once again live and study in each other’s countries. This will build friendships that will last a lifetime,” von der Leyen said.
Perhaps the most tangible change for everyday travellers: Britons will now be able to use e-gates at European airports, joining EU passport holders in fast-track lanes — a convenience lost after Brexit.
