UK-EU Relations

Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed a Press Conference following the announcement of the UK-EU deal, in which he: 

• Said the Defence and Security Partnership was “vital” in the dangerous new era and would open the door to the EU defence fund and create opportunities for the UK defence industry.
• Highlighted that a deal on emissions trading would save UK businesses from paying £800m in EU carbon taxes. He added that cooperation on energy would drive down bills in the long-term, bringing the systems together again and benefiting bill payers and “boosting renewables”.
• Stated the deal was about reducing bills, creating and saving jobs, and securing borders. He argued that businesses, including supermarkets, supported the deal, concluding it was a “hugely ambitious” agreement. 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also spoke, in which she: 

• Outlined that the security and defence partnership would boost cooperation in security and defence initiatives, such as for the defence industry, military mobility, crisis management, and the countering of hybrid threats. She added that it “opens the door” to the UK’s participating in the EU defence investment programme, and although there needed to be a second step, welcomed that joint procurement would increase readiness, close military gaps and increase interoperability. She added that the second step would involve “budget contribution, reciprocal market access and rules on security of supply”.
• Added that it would create new opportunities for defence industries and the option for stronger, more coordinated support for Ukraine either through joint procurement of military capabilities or through direct investment in Ukraine’s defence industry. 
• Concluded that a “strong UK-EU relationship is fundamental to security, prosperity, for our shared destiny”, stating that the deals shows the sovereignty of the UK. She added that “it’s a question of only a few weeks and then will be done” when asked about the conclusion of the deal. 

European Council President António Costa also spoke, in which he:

• Confirmed they had delivered on the promise to “reset” UK-EU relations, with the agreement reached marking a “new chapter” and the start of a “renewed and strengthened strategic partnership”.
• Said agreements were “more than just words on paper”, as they are a reflection of the shared commitment to security, prosperity and development. He said “we are neighbours, allies, partners, and we are friends”. 
• Warned that Europe faced its “gravest security threat in decades”, stating that the UK and EU “share a fundamental responsibility for the security of Europe”. He confirmed pressure on Russia would be intensified, including through a new package of sanctions.
• Argued the partnership on defence would bring deeper cooperation, strengthen the European contribution to NATO, and sharpen focus on common strategic priorities.