UK, EU strike post-Brexit deal on defense, trade
Britain and the European Union have struck a deal covering defense, trade and other fields in an apparent effort to repair ties that have been strained since the UK's exit from the bloc in 2020.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Council President Antonio Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met in London on Monday for the first regular UK-EU summit since Brexit.
Britain and the EU agreed to a security and defense partnership that will pave the way for UK firms to participate in an EU program to procure arms.
The two sides also agreed to simplify import and export procedures on agricultural products, and to also start negotiations on introducing a short-term work visa for young people.
Prime Minister Starmer, who took office last year, has been seeking to mend relations with the EU, which is the UK's largest trading partner.
Starmer told reporters after the talks that his country is "back on the world stage."
Von der Leyen said, "We're opening a new chapter in our unique relationship."
The deal also involves allowing EU fishing boats access to British waters until 2038. Opposition politicians in the UK criticized this as a "surrender" to the EU.
EU officials had been wary of repairing ties with Britain, which chose to leave the bloc. However, the EU side apparently responded to the UK's bid to seek closer ties, as the administration of US President Donald Trump keeps a distance from Europe in the areas of defense and economy.
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