UK officials have pushed negotiations with the European Union to the “final hours” ahead of a crucial summit, where key details of a significant relationship reset remain unresolved. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s efforts to reach a compromise with EU President Ursula von der Leyen are facing resistance, particularly on contentious issues such as fisheries and youth mobility.
The UK has proposed a four-year deal for access to British waters, while the EU is demanding a longer-term extension, with some sources suggesting a double-digit period. The issue is closely tied to the removal of checks on food and agricultural products, known as sanitary and phytosanitary goods.
Meanwhile, talks on a youth mobility deal have hit a snag, with Brussels pushing for a cap on numbers. In contrast, UK ministers have suggested a “smart and controlled” scheme that would operate along existing lines of 13 deals Britain has with countries like Australia and Canada.
Other sticking points include tuition fees, where Brussels is demanding EU students pay the domestic rate, while the UK’s NHS fee levied on EU nationals remains on the table. However, holidaymakers are expected to face shorter airport queues this summer as negotiators near an agreement for passport holders to use e-gates across Europe.
The outcome of the summit could have significant implications for British defence companies and the economy, with a £125bn EU defence fund at stake. A successful deal would mark a shift towards closer ties with Europe, while a failure could embolden hardline Brexit advocates within the Conservative Party.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/18/uk-eu-talks-down-to-the-wire-fishing-youth-mobility