British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss resetting the relationship between the UK and the EU. Starmer, who became Prime Minister after winning the July election, has ruled out a return to the EU’s single market, customs union, and freedom of movement arrangements. Instead, he is seeking to tweak the existing Brexit deal in areas such as trade, security, and youth mobility.
Starmer’s visit to Brussels is part of a broader effort to improve relations with the EU, following previous meetings in Berlin, Paris, Rome, and Dublin. Both sides share a desire for a joint security pact, but negotiations on barriers to the movement of goods and people may prove challenging. Von der Leyen described the meeting as the “beginning of a conversation” on how the relationship could evolve.
While Starmer’s approach has been welcomed by EU leaders, both sides recognize that significant changes in the relationship will require tough negotiations. For example, Starmer has rejected the EU’s proposal for a youth mobility scheme, which allows young EU citizens to live in the UK and vice versa. However, this issue may need to be revisited in order to make progress on other priorities.
Overall, analysts suggest that Starmer’s government may be open to a limited exchange program to stimulate economic growth, while still maintaining the broader objectives of the UK’s post-Brexit relationship with the EU. The outcome of the discussions in Brussels will provide insights into the future direction of this relationship.
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