For his first visit to the European Union (EU) institutions, Labor Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Brussels on Wednesday, October 2, with a seemingly clear roadmap: “reboot” the very deteriorated relations of the United Kingdom with the EU. The British leader wants to break with the defiant attitude of his conservative predecessors (especially Boris Johnson and Liz Truss) and strengthen ties with partners considered essential, in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment, while the conflict in the Middle East becomes regionalized.
“The UK is stronger when we work closely with our closest international partners. This has never been more important at a time when war, conflict and insecurity are knocking on Europe’s doors.”declared Keir Starmer upon his arrival at the European Commission. “In these uncertain times, like-minded partners must cooperate more closely”added Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, welcoming him.
“The mere arrival of the British Prime Minister is a symbol and an event in itself. For the first time since 2019, a British head of government will travel to Brussels to resume dialogue.” recalls Sébastien Maillard, special advisor to the Jacques-Delors Institute. If Brussels welcomed with optimism the arrival to Downing Street, in July, of a leader considered serious and of good will, the four difficult years of Brexit negotiations and then, just after the divorce, the friction that persisted around the thorny issue However, the border with Northern Ireland, which will not be decided until 2023, has made Europeans cautious.
Desire for rapprochement in matters of defense and security
The ambassadors of the Member States, meeting on Monday, September 30 to prepare for the meeting, asked to be associated with any new Commission initiative vis-à-vis London. “For now, we must stick to the agreements reached with the British, recalls a European diplomat. We must not reopen, but apply the trade agreement signed with London, as well as the protocol regarding Northern Ireland. » And to add: “It’s not enough to say you want a restart. It is essential that the principles applied during the Brexit negotiations remain valid. It is essential to protect the integrity of the internal market and respect the agreements, with faithful implementation. »
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