EU, UK reach fishing and defence deals hours before first-ever summit
Brussels and London on Monday agreed new deals on fishing, energy, youth mobility and defence following marathon talks that concluded just a few hours before the first-ever EU-UK summit was to be held.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council chief Antonio Costa are set to agree on three documents: a joint statement where they set out common ground on key geopolitical challenges, a security and defence partnership, and a Common Understanding.
For both sides, the summit was initially aimed at showing just how closely aligned on key global issues they are at a time when the post-war multilateral world order is being attacked by Moscow, Beijing, and now increasingly Washington.
But the spectre of Brexit quickly loomed large with bilateral and sectoral issues taking talks to the wire and risking to turn this summit into a damp squib. On the one side, the EU stuck to its position that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed, while on the other, Britain's Labour government had to contend with bruising local elections where Brexiteer Nigel Farage's Reform Party performed well.
The Common Understanding, which sets out the parametres of the relationships over a number of bilateral issues including thorny ones such as fishing rights, Sanitary and Phytosanitary rules (SPS), and youth mobility, was therefore the hardest to thrash out, with negotiations continuing overnight on Sunday.
Politically, the hardest domestic sell for host Keir Starmer, are a 12-year extension of full reciprocal access to waters to fish and the European Court of Justice having jurisdiction over SPS matters.
The current fishing rules are set to expire in June 2026 and numbers that had been floated before the deal was finalised hovered around a five-year extension.
British Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds insisted on Monday morning that the government hadn't sacrificed fishing for closer alignment on other issues, stressing that access to the EU market for the UK fishing industry "is fundamental".
"We need some certainty in place, you don't want things on an annual basis," he also told BBC radio.
Both sides were keen to stress that the package is ambitious, balanced and crucially did not cross any red lines they both had going into the talks.
An EU official said, for instance, that the summit "shows that we have entered a new chapter in our relations with UK – a neighbour, an ally and a global partner" and that "we are turning a page and moving towards a new strategic partnership".
"The negotiation process in the run-up to this summit went until the last minute. But negotiations took place always in good faith on both sides, and the result is very positive for both," the official added.
This good faith will need to continue as both sides will have to return to the negotiating table quickly to formalise the sectoral deals included in the Common Understanding with legal agreements.
The same applies to the security and defence cooperation as the partnership struck on Monday does not yet allow the UK to take part in the EU's €150 billion SAFE programme to boost joint procurement. How much the UK will need to contribute to the EU budget to take part, for instance, has yet to be defined.
The instrument, part of the EU's Readiness 2030 plan to strengthen the bloc's defence sector and capabilities, includes a so-called European preference under which some 65% of the weapon systems bought must be made in the EU or in third countries with which it has agreements in place. This currently excludes the UK and its defence manufacturers.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sustainability Times
an hour ago
- Sustainability Times
'We Didn't See This Coming': U.S. Stunned as $134 Billion European Hydrogen Megaproject Becomes Largest Construction Site on Earth
IN A NUTSHELL 🌱 The construction industry is transitioning from diesel generators to hydrogen fuel cells for a cleaner energy source. for a cleaner energy source. 🚧 The HS2 project in the UK demonstrates the large-scale potential of hydrogen technologies in sustainable construction. in sustainable construction. 🔧 GeoPura is leading the hydrogen revolution, aiming to expand its fleet of hydrogen power units and production facilities. is leading the hydrogen revolution, aiming to expand its fleet of hydrogen power units and production facilities. 💡 Economic challenges, such as the high cost of hydrogen, remain significant hurdles to its widespread adoption in the industry. The construction industry is undergoing a significant transformation as it seeks sustainable alternatives to traditional practices. Amidst this shift, hydrogen fuel cells have emerged as a promising solution to replace diesel generators, notorious for their environmental impact. The integration of hydrogen technology is exemplified by the ambitious HS2 project in the United Kingdom, which aims to revolutionize construction practices by significantly reducing emissions. This article explores the rise of hydrogen fuel cells in construction, focusing on the innovations, challenges, and potential for widespread adoption. The Rise of Hydrogen Fuel Cells in Construction The adoption of hydrogen fuel cells marks a pivotal change in the construction sector's approach to energy consumption. Companies like GeoPura are at the forefront of this movement, developing hydrogen generators to replace traditional diesel-powered equipment. These fuel cells present a viable path to decarbonize the industry by providing a cleaner, more efficient energy source. Despite the promise of hydrogen technology, the journey has been fraught with challenges, particularly in 2024, when several firms in the sector faced scalability issues. However, the HS2 project in the UK offers hope that these hurdles can be overcome. As one of the largest infrastructure projects in Europe, HS2's integration of hydrogen fuel cells demonstrates the potential for large-scale application. The transition to hydrogen power in construction is not without its difficulties, but with continued innovation and investment, the industry stands on the brink of a more sustainable era. 'Totally Illegal in Most Countries': This YouTuber's V16 Chainsaw Monster Engine Has No Crankshaft and Actually Runs Innovative Energy Solutions at the HS2 Site The HS2 Victoria Road construction site in London exemplifies the cutting-edge application of hydrogen fuel cells. Beneath a complex network of conveyor systems, two discreet white containers house the technology that powers the entire site. These containers utilize hydrogen fuel cells, heralded as a revolutionary energy solution capable of achieving emission-free operations. Hydrogen is celebrated for its abundance and energy density, offering three times more energy than gasoline. When used, it produces only water, completely eliminating carbon emissions. This positions hydrogen as an ideal energy source for heavy industries, including construction. The HS2 project is a real-world application of this technology, showcasing its potential to foster a sustainable future in construction. Japan Stuns the World with 310,000-Ton Oil Behemoth That Shatters Records and Reinvents the Future of Energy Transport GeoPura's Vision and Business Model GeoPura, in collaboration with Siemens Energy Ventures, is pioneering the hydrogen revolution. Established in 2019, GeoPura produces renewable hydrogen and supplies it to leased hydrogen power units (HPUs) for construction sites and events. By 2025, the company aims to expand its fleet to 3,600 HPUs by 2033 and invest in green hydrogen production facilities. This ambitious strategy underscores GeoPura's dedication to a zero-emission construction industry. The company focuses on scalable hydrogen production and distribution, making the technology accessible for diverse applications. As the cost of hydrogen production decreases, the economic feasibility of these solutions is becoming increasingly evident, paving the way for a cleaner construction landscape. 'UK Unleashes Energy Monster': This Giant Powerhouse Will Fuel 1.4 Million Homes Nonstop for 22 Hours Straight Economic Challenges and Future Prospects Despite its potential, hydrogen deployment in construction faces significant economic barriers. The high cost compared to diesel and the logistical complexities of production and distribution are formidable hurdles. However, ongoing efforts aim to mitigate these challenges. GeoPura and similar initiatives are actively reducing production costs, and innovations in the sector promise to transform construction into a green revolution. As investment in hydrogen technology increases, the question becomes how swiftly these changes can be implemented and their potential impact on reducing the industry's carbon footprint. The promise of hydrogen as a clean energy source in construction is undeniable. With pioneering projects like HS2 leading the way, the industry is gradually embracing more sustainable practices. Yet, the path to widespread hydrogen adoption remains challenging, particularly in overcoming economic barriers. As we look to the future, will hydrogen fuel cells fully transform the construction industry, and what new innovations will emerge to further this shift? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (27)
Local France
an hour ago
- Local France
Le Pen and Orban lambast EU at far-right rally in France
Aimed at marking one year since Le Pen's National Rally (RN) crushed opponents to win their best-ever vote share in European elections, the get-together, dubbed the Victory Festival, in Mormant-sur-Vernisson south of Paris brought together far-right leaders from across Europe. The mood was buoyant and confident in the wake of Donald Trump's return to the White House earlier this year and strong election results across the continent. Orban, revelling in his self-proclaimed status as the "black sheep of the EU" and "Brussels' nightmare", likened European migration policy to "an organised exchange of populations to replace the cultural base" of the continent. Boasting of having been able to "push back migrants" in his country, even if it meant incurring sanctions from Brussels, Orban told the several thousands present: "We will not let them destroy our cities, rape our girls and women, kill peaceful citizens." 'Finish the game' Le Pen, in her speech, described the European Union as a "graveyard of politically unfulfilled promises" and termed it "woke and ultra-liberal". "We don't want to leave the table. We want to finish the game and win, to take power in France and in Europe and give it back to the people," she said. Her party previously backed France's exit from the EU. But now it preaches European reform while remaining a member as Le Pen seeks to make the party electable and shake off the legacy of her late father Jean-Marie Le Pen. Advertisement Other attendees included Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the League party Matteo Salvini, the leader of Spain's Vox party Santiago Abascal and former Czech premier Andrej Babis. They are all part of the Patriots for Europe faction in the European parliament, one of no less than three competing far-right factions in the chamber. Salvini meanwhile described migration as a "threat" to Europe. "The threat to our children is an invasion of illegal immigrants, mainly Islamists, financed and organised in the silence of Brussels," he affirmed from the podium, calling on European "patriots" to "work together" to "take back control of the destiny and future of Europe." In a sign of the controversy over the meeting, some 4,000 people from the left, hard left and trade unions protested in the nearby town of Montargis, according to organisers, vowing to "build resistance" and proclaiming the far-right leaders were "not welcome". "You have here the worst of the racist and xenophobic European far right that we know only too well," said French hard-left MEP Manon Aubry. Italy's Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini (L), French President of RN parliamentary group Marine Le Pen (C) and French far-right party RN President and MEP Jordan Bardella (R) wave on stage at the end of the meeting. (Photo by JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER / AFP) 'Brussels guillotine' The meeting also comes less than two years ahead of watershed presidential elections in France where President Emmanuel Macron, who has long promoted himself as a bulwark against the far right, cannot stand again and the RN sees its best ever chance of taking power. But it is far from certain if Le Pen will stand for a fourth time as her conviction earlier this year in a fake jobs scandal disqualifies her from standing from public office. She has appealed. But waiting in the wings is her protege and RN party leader Jordan Bardella, 29, who would stand if Le Pen was ineligible. Advertisement Bardella, who polls have shown would still be set to win the first round of presidential elections if he stands, is taking care to project his image including a long TV interview with star anchor Karine Le Marchand aimed at showing his softer side. "We reject the Europe of Ursula von der Leyen," Bardella told the rally, referring to the chief of the EU Commission. "We reject the Europe of Macron... We represent the rebirth of a true Europe." As well as Le Pen's legal limbo, the contours of the French 2027 presidential election remain largely unclear, with centre-right former prime minister Edouard Philippe the only major player to clearly state he will stand. Orban urged the RN to emerge triumphant from the elections. "Without you, we will not be able to occupy Brussels (...) We will not be able to save Hungary from the Brussels guillotine," said Orban.
Euronews
an hour ago
- Euronews
Adolescence to be shown in French schools, says minister of education
Following UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcoming plans to air Netflix's hit show Adolescence in secondary schools, France is following suit, with French Minister of Education Élisabeth Borne stating yesterday that the mini-series will be screened from secondary school level upwards. In an interview for LCI news channel, Borne explained that the producer of the series 'gave us the rights' and that the Ministry of Education was therefore going to 'offer five educational sequences for young people based on this series'. These extracts from Adolescence, which have already been shown in British schools to stimulate debate and try to 'prevent young boys from being dragged into a whirlpool of hatred and misogyny,' are 'very representative of the violence that can exist among young people', according to Borne. The aim is to help raise awareness of the problem of 'overexposure to screens and the trivialisation of violence on these social networks,' as well as the spread of masculinist theories and misogyny, argues Borne. The four-part series follows how a father deals with the fallout of his 13-year-old son being suspected of stabbing one of his classmates to death. Beyond the spot-on acting, the show has felt like a cultural wake-up call, as it has prompted a wider discussion about toxic masculinity and the devastating influence of the so-called 'manosphere' on young minds who are faced with websites and online forums promoting misogyny and ultra-conservative models of masculinity that flirt with far-right ideologies. When it was confirmed that Netflix would be making the series available to all UK secondary schools, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson wrote a column for the Daily Mail saying that he didn't see the good in the initiative, calling the show 'tosh'. He wrote: 'In making this announcement with full prime ministerial authority amid the ancient solemnity of the cabinet room, Keir Starmer has perfectly encapsulated the fundamental flatulence of the government, and its emetic finger-wagging mixture of humbug and wokery.' Johnson went on to say that he believes the move to show the series in school time demonstrates the government's 'cruel indifference to the real educational needs of children today,' adding: 'In case you haven't watched Adolescence I can save you the bother. It's tosh - well-acted tosh.' Predictably, Johnson also introduced race to his argument, saying that 'unlike the teenage couple in this drama, the victims and perpetrators are disproportionately young black males.' The show's co-creator Jack Thorne has already spoken out on this theory, saying, 'It's absurd to say that (knife crime) is only committed by black boys. It's not true and history shows a lot of cases of kids from all races committing these crimes.' Thorne also stated that the goal of the show was not about 'making a point about race' but to make a point 'about masculinity.' 'We're trying to get inside a problem,' he added. 'We're not saying this is one thing or another, we're saying that this is about boys.' The decision to show the series in French schools comes after Laëtitia Curetti, who has a 13-year-old son, wrote to Borne and launched an online petition to have the series shown in secondary schools across France. Curetti stated she believes the series could be an 'excellent educational tool' to raise awareness of the dangers of social networking, sexism, bullying and violence in schools. The discussion surrounding knife crime has increased since the success of the series in France. It has been further amplified after a 16-year-old stabbed a high school student to death and injured three other fellow students at the lycée Notre-Dame de Toutes Aides in Nantes on 24 April. "My thoughts go out first to the teenager who lost her life, to the three students who were injured, and I want to express all my support and solidarity to these victims, their families and their loved ones," declared Borne at the school, before paying tribute to the "establishment staff who intervened and neutralized the attacker." French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau spoke of "a tragedy that rocks us." He said he was "appalled" and "shocked" by "the violence that has been unleashed," before adding that the tragic incident was "not a mere news item but a societal issue."
