UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Keir Starmer’s efforts to reset post-Brexit relations with the EU are set to face tough negotiations, especially on major issues like fishing and youth mobility.
Leading European diplomats have warned that the EU will take a firm stance as Sir Keir aims to deepen ties with Brussels in his post-Brexit adjustment phase.
What warnings has Keir Starmer received ahead of his EU talks?
On Monday, Keir Starmer will make history as the first prime minister to attend a dinner with EU leaders since Brexit, where he is expected to make a security and defense agreement between the UK and its European allies.
Though Sir Keir has made efforts to rebuild ties with European leaders since taking office in July, he will be warned that he could face the same obstacles as Boris Johnson in discussions with the EU, with significant concessions expected in exchange for any new deal.
As reported by the Independent, Keir Starmer will be told that movement on major issues like defense and security will require him to make concessions on matters like the EU’s access to the British fishing waters and the youth mobility program.
What did the EU diplomats say about EU-UK ties?
One diplomat said, “It worked for us the first time around with Boris and it will work for us again with Starmer.”
Another prominent European Union diplomat stated,
“There are many buckets in the future relationship, and of course, there is an interlink between all of them because at the end of the day, that is a package.”
According to a diplomat, securing progress on defence is essential, but the EU’s views on fisheries remain firm, stating, “Security is crucial, but fisheries are equally significant.”
Will the EU’s youth mobility scheme and fishing access stall UK-EU relations?
The European Union’s plan for a youth mobility scheme, which would permit 18 to 35-year-olds to live and work freely in different countries for two years, remains a major hurdle in discussions regarding the UK’s future ties with the EU.
Number 10 has repeatedly rejected a youth mobility deal, raising concerns that it would be viewed as a reintroduction of freedom of movement and a betrayal of Brexit.
Will the EU’s approach to Keir Starmer mirror Boris Johnson’s?
The EU is expected to follow the strategy it used with former PM Boris Johnson, blocking individual deals unless broader progress is achieved on all issues. This approach is likely to be adopted in future negotiations with Keir Starmer.
Last month, a diplomatic report in Brussels revealed the UK must commit to “preserving the status quo” regarding European boats’ access to UK waters, along with the same catch quotas, prior to the proceeding of discussions.
This document also disclosed that the youth mobility scheme is a priority to initiate the talks with Britain.
What did António Costa and the think tank Changing Europe say about EU-UK ties?
Just before Sir Keir Starmer’s working dinner with EU leaders on Monday, António Costa, the president of the European Council, stated,
“The UK is a key partner for the European Union, notably in the field of defence. I expect the discussion to focus on that dimension of our relationship.”
The UK’s top post-Brexit think tank, UK in a Changing Europe (UKICE), said that the EU approach seems to be “marginal” to Keir Starmer’s government, with slower economic growth appearing to be “baked into Labour’s strategy.”
What did the EU’s chief trade negotiator say about the UK-EU discussions?
While speaking to the BBC at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, the EU’s new trade chief, Maros Sefcovic, said a “pan-European [customs] area” could be considered as part of the ongoing “reset” discussions between the EU and the UK.
Mr. Sefcovic suggested that the UK could consider becoming a member of the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM).
According to Downing Street, such a deal would not violate the government’s ‘red lines’ for the UK’s relationship with the EU.