The European Union and the United Kingdom have reached an agreement five years after Brexit. At a summit in London, chaired by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EU Council President Antonio Costa and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the deal was formally approved on Monday. The focus of the talks was on security and defense, with both sides agreeing to create a security and defense partnership aimed at promoting dialogue and cooperation in these areas. This includes supporting Ukraine, initiatives for the defense industry and the mobility of military equipment and personnel. Maritime security was also a key area of cooperation. The economic cooperation, particularly in the energy sector, was another central point. The EU Commission and the United Kingdom will examine the possibility of the UK participating in the European Internal Energy Market. The agreement also provides relief for British tourists by allowing them to use more e-gates in Europe and re-introduces pet passports for cats and dogs, making traveling with pets easier. The agreement also protects UK steel exports from new EU regulations and restrictive tariffs, saving the UK steel industry an estimated £25 million annually. The UK will also initiate talks on access to EU data with facial images to improve the ability to apprehend dangerous criminals. The EU initially demanded permanent access to UK waters for fishing, but agreed to a 12-year access instead. The current access rules for UK fishing communities remain unchanged, without a reduction in UK quotas or an increase in the EU catch volumes.
EU and UK finalize new security and defense partnership after Brexit deal.
