The London summit , which took place on 19 May, marked what could be a historic moment in EU–UK relations. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met in the British capital to announce a new era of collaboration.
The leaders unveiled a set of bold agreements designed to benefit both sides of the Channel, proving that Brexit doesn’t mean the end of strategic partnership.
One of the most significant outcomes was a new Security and Defence Partnership. Under this plan, the UK will be able to participate in EU defence procurement projects through the SAFE initiative – a programme enabling the European Commission to pool up to €150 billion for joint defence investments.
Although the UK is no longer an EU member, it will now be allowed to join tenders and projects, improving interoperability with European allies and lowering the cost of its own defence spending.
Both sides also agreed to explore a dedicated agreement for UK companies to access the EU’s defence procurement market – a move that highlights both the EU’s openness and the UK’s industrial strength.
At the closing press conference, President von der Leyen emphasised that the enhanced security cooperation goes beyond paperwork – it’s about concrete action, especially in supporting Ukraine.
The EU–UK partnership will include joint arms procurement for Ukraine and investments in its domestic defence industry.
“This is about real capabilities,” von der Leyen said. “We want Ukraine not just to survive, but to build long-term defence capacity. We stand united behind a just and lasting peace based on an unconditional ceasefire.”
This declaration comes at a time of growing international calls for more coordinated aid to Kyiv – and sends a strong message of unity, despite the tensions of Brexit.
Beyond defence, the summit also brought key economic agreements. One of the most impactful is the decision to maintain mutual access to fishing waters until 2038 – a move that offers long-term stability to local fishing communities on both sides.
Another breakthrough was the continuation of tariff-free trade in steel products – especially important as production costs rise and markets fluctuate.
Negotiations are also set to begin on simplifying border procedures for animal and plant products. The planned Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement would help remove some of the frustrating customs checks that have burdened exporters since Brexit.
The UK and EU also expressed strong interest in deepening cooperation on energy and climate policy. One big idea on the table: the UK joining the EU’s electricity market. This could mean greater price stability and energy security, especially as Europe transitions to greener sources.
A potential link between the EU and UK Emissions Trading Systems is also being discussed. If agreed, this could open the door to carbon border adjustment exemptions, making it easier for industries to stay competitive while meeting climate goals.
One of the most warmly welcomed announcements was about youth mobility. Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the UK and EU had reached an agreement for the UK to rejoin Erasmus+, although in a more limited form.
A new youth exchange programme is also being created to give young people the chance to study or work across the Channel – a move seen as a major step in rebuilding human connections.
“Millions of families and friends live on both sides,” von der Leyen said. “We need to give the younger generation the chance to build lasting bonds and friendships that will stand the test of time.”
Though the new scheme will have age and time limits, it marks a powerful symbolic return to mutual exchange and opportunity.
To keep the momentum going, both sides committed to regular, structured consultations. From now on, top leaders will meet at least once a year, with foreign and defence ministers meeting every six months. The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs will also participate.
This institutional setup is designed to prevent another freeze in relations and to ensure that both sides can quickly respond to global and regional changes.
The London summit clearly showed that despite a rocky past, EU–UK cooperation is not only possible but essential. With growing global challenges, returning to a strategic partnership is not just smart – it’s necessary.
For young people across Europe, this shift could mean more opportunities, more mobility, and a stronger sense of unity in the face of global uncertainty.
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