EU-UK strike landmark deal covering security, trade, travel

Britain and the European Union on Monday unveiled a landmark agreement that promises to revive cooperation across defence, trade, youth mobility, and border management, more than three years after the UK formally left the bloc.

The wide-ranging pact, forged in Brussels, marks the most substantial reset of relations since Brexit, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailing it as “a moment to move on from stale old debates” and focus on “common sense, practical solutions”.

Announced amid signs that the United States may scale back its European security commitments, the deal includes the UK’s entry into a formal defence and security framework with the EU and relaxes several post-Brexit trade restrictions that have hampered British exporters and travellers alike.

“We’re ready to work with partners if it means we can improve people’s lives here at home,” Starmer said, underscoring his desire to stabilise relations with Britain’s largest trading partner.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission said the EU and UK were “turning the page”.

Invezz breaks down the deal:

EU-UK defence and security pact, UK to get access to Safe- EU’s defence fund

A key feature of the agreement is the creation of a formal UK-EU defence and security pact.

The initiative reflects the shared concern over Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and mounting uncertainty over US support for European security under a Trump presidency.

The UK will also gain access to “Safe”, the EU’s €150bn fund for defence projects, opening doors for British arms manufacturers.

Both sides have pledged deeper collaboration in cybersecurity, military mobility, crisis response, and strategic planning—areas of alignment that could gain urgency if NATO cohesion weakens.

SPS agreement to ease UK meat exports to the EU

Trade is another area that will see tangible changes.

Under the sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, Britain will once again be able to export fresh meat products such as sausages and raw burgers to the EU—a practice banned since Brexit.

Routine border checks on animal and plant products will be drastically reduced, a move retailers have welcomed as a way to cut food prices and improve supply chain efficiency.

UK travellers can now use e-gates at more European airports

British travellers will also benefit.

UK passport holders will soon be allowed to use e-gates at more European airports, streamlining entry procedures that had become cumbersome since freedom of movement ended in 2020.

Additionally, travelling with pets will become less bureaucratic, thanks to changes in animal health certificate rules.

Fishing access to the EU extended, drawing industry ire

However, the agreement has stirred anger in Britain’s fishing industry, which had been promised renewed sovereignty over UK waters after Brexit.

Under the new deal, European boats will retain access to UK waters until 2038—a full twelve years beyond the expiry of the existing arrangement, which had been set for 2026.

The move has drawn a sharp backlash from industry leaders and opposition politicians alike.

Elspeth Macdonald, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, called the deal “a horror show for Scottish fishermen”, arguing it was “far worse than Boris Johnson’s botched Brexit agreement”.

“Giving away a national asset such as our rich and healthy fishing grounds for no discernible benefit… is a disgrace,” Macdonald said.

She noted that while the UK remains a net importer of fish, Scottish fleets still land over 60% of the UK’s catch, making the decision politically sensitive.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch was also scathing in her criticism, warning that “we’re becoming a rule-taker from Brussels once again”.

Starmer defends deal as ‘good for fishing’ and food exports

Prime Minister Starmer dismissed claims that the industry had been sold out, arguing that stability and improved access to EU markets outweigh the uncertainty of annual negotiations.

“Over 70% of seafood goes to the EU. This will help them,” he said, adding that the return of shellfish exports and lower export costs would ultimately benefit fishing communities.

He also announced a £360 million fund to support coastal areas and boost the sector.

Youth experience scheme and carbon market alignment in the pipeline

As part of broader efforts to rebuild ties, the UK and EU will negotiate a “youth experience scheme” similar to existing agreements with countries like Australia and New Zealand.

The plan could allow young people aged 18 to 35 to live, work and travel in each other’s territories, subject to quotas and time limits.

The two sides will also link their carbon pricing systems in a deal designed to prevent new tariffs on steel and other carbon-intensive goods.

The government estimates that alignment with the EU’s carbon border tax system will save British businesses around £800 million, with an additional £25 million a year in avoided penalties for the steel sector.

A strategic realignment with an eye on global shifts

The agreement marks a strategic pivot for Britain under Starmer’s leadership, positioning the UK closer to the EU at a time when global alliances are being reassessed.

It also signals the EU’s openness to a new kind of partnership with a former member—one that stops short of rejoining the bloc, but still reflects shared values and mutual interests.

Negotiations are set to continue on issues such as mutual recognition of professional qualifications and further alignment in energy markets.

While politically contentious elements such as fishing may fuel domestic opposition, the broader reset appears aimed at restoring predictability and cooperation after years of uncertainty.

For now, both sides are emphasising the practical benefits of the new pact. As Starmer put it, “It’s time to look forward.”

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