The first European summit since Brexit is set to take place in London, with expectations high for a new era of cooperation between EU member states and the UK. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hopes that this meeting will mark a departure from the previous tense negotiations, focusing instead on creating long-term relationships that benefit all parties involved.
In contrast to the loud and flashy atmosphere of Eurovision, the summit is expected to be a more subdued affair, with an emphasis on building trust and cooperation between governments. The UK’s Nick Thomas-Symonds will join EU negotiator Maros Sefcovic in talks on defence, trade, and security, marking a significant shift towards a more collaborative approach.
While a major breakthrough may not be expected, the summit does offer opportunities for meaningful agreements, particularly in areas such as energy, migration, agriculture, and data sharing. The UK government hopes to ease administrative burdens imposed by Brexit, improving cooperation between the two parties on issues like sanctions and customs procedures.
A key area of focus will be addressing concerns over young people’s rights to live and work in each other’s countries. The EU has been pushing for a more reciprocal arrangement, allowing citizens to move abroad for up to four years, while the UK is seeking an “agreement in principle” rather than a full deal.
The French will likely play a significant role in shaping the talks, with sources indicating that they may be reluctant to compromise on fishing rights. Nevertheless, insiders believe that the UK’s efforts to find common ground could lead to progress, particularly if Sir Keir Starmer’s team can successfully present a coherent and well-structured plan.
In the end, Monday’s summit will be seen as a test of whether the UK government can deliver on its promise of a more sensible deal with the EU. With no easy fixes or quick solutions in sight, it remains to be seen whether the current talks will mark a turning point towards greater cooperation and understanding between the two parties.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c706kg63gz6o