Latest news with #EUrelations
Arab News
a day ago
- Business
- Arab News
EU and UK starting to put Brexit behind them
The process of delivering on the promise made by Britain's Labour Party during last year's election campaign to reset the UK's relations with the EU is now well and truly underway, but only slowly. Last month, almost a year after Labour decisively won the general election, negotiators from both sides unveiled a deal that signals they are adamant about putting the bad blood of Brexit behind them. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Keir Starmer were beaming when they announced they had reached a new agreement that rectifies some of the damage caused by Brexit. Nevertheless, the relatively small scope of the agreement suggests that, rather than a revolution in relations between these two closest of neighbors, this agreement represents a slow evolution and that this incremental approach is bound to continue. It is nine years since the British people decided in a referendum to implement Brexit, causing relations between London and Brussels to sour. The psychological scars caused by this unilateral decision have been at least as deep, if not deeper, than the practical implications of the separation. The very fact that, after decades of continuous expansion of this unique political project, one of its most powerful members was the first to leave, leading to years of acrimonious negotiations that were more about British domestic politics than what was in the interest of either, disappointed, or more precisely, angered Brussels. Rather than a revolution in relations between these two closest of neighbors, this agreement represents a slow evolution Yossi Mekelberg With the UK under relatively Europhile new management, the path to a positive resetting of relations was paved, but it is still bumpy, mainly because of the rise of populist, anti-globalization and anti-immigration sentiments in both the UK and the EU. Starmer, borrowing from the world of sports terminology, referred to the signing of a trade deal with the EU as one that completed a 'hat-trick of trade deals,' following similar agreements with the US and India in the preceding weeks. He also declared this was a 'clear message sent across the globe that Britain is back on the world stage,' departing from years of policies that reflected the island mentality, not to mention the incompetence, of his Tory predecessors, who were still quick to criticize the fresh agreement. To be sure, the deal is not even remotely a step toward the UK rejoining the EU, but it has kick-started what will be months of negotiations over many nitty-gritty details, some more controversial than others. A big draw for the UK entering a new phase in the relationship was the EU's consent to remove the need for health and veterinary certification, known as sanitary and phytosanitary checks, on exports of farm products, ranging from fresh vegetables and meat to dairy products and even timber and leather. In principle, this should never have been an issue, as the quality and standards in the UK did not change after Brexit. But in the poisonous atmosphere under which the divorce settlement was agreed in 2020, Brussels was in no mood to make it easier for a breakaway country. This measure alone is a lifeline. For instance, small-scale sausage and dairy product makers will once again be able to sell into the EU without health certification, avoiding the fate of those that have already gone out of business as a result of the need for such certifications. Moreover, farmers in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will see reduced checks on fresh food moving between them and Great Britain. Previously, they were caught up in the impossible conflict between the terms of the Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland and Brexit. This is as much symbolic as it is helpful to struggling farmers. What gave those in the UK who oppose closer ties with Europe some tailwind was the agreement over fishing rights Yossi Mekelberg What gave those in the UK who oppose closer ties with Europe some tailwind among the Conservatives and Reform UK — to the extent that, in another outburst of anti-European hysteria, the leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch called the deal a 'surrender' — was the agreement over fishing rights. It might have been the case that Starmer's inexperience in negotiating on the world stage, or even being too keen on a deal, led to him agreeing to roll over the existing fishing deal for another 12 years, until 2038, providing access to UK waters for EU fishers. However, surrender it was not, as in any agreement it is the overall picture that counts and those who might lose out should be compensated. This is not only because it is fair, but also because it is prudent to avoid evoking anti-European sentiments. It is no secret that what accelerated the new 'entente cordiale' between the UK and the EU is the recognition that ensuring the defense of the realm — and, as a first step, winning the war in Ukraine — requires them to work closely together. This is now enshrined in the new document, which states that the 'UK and the EU share a responsibility for the security of Europe.' For the Britons, the prize of beginning talks on allowing its arms industry to access Security Action for Europe — a €150 billion ($171 billion) EU fund providing loans for defense projects — awaits. This would consolidate the close partnership of the UK as part and parcel of the defense of Europe. On at least two aspects of the new deal — the return of youth exchanges and British travelers once again being able to use e-gates when traveling to the EU — the psychological boost of being a partner is significant. The latter might not be a deal-breaker in relations, but after decades of whisking through terminals with a minimum of fuss, this Brexit hindrance symbolized for many the acrimonious separation between the Brits and the Europeans. Restoring access to e-gates will return the sense of close relations with our neighbors, even if not still belonging to the same family. For young people, to be able to work and study in Europe with fewer restrictions will enhance their experience. And maybe this will be the generation that rediscovers Europe and being European, which will lead to a much-needed antidote to Brexit, as well as a remedy for a world that currently thrives on what separates us, not what brings us together.
Japan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Japan Times
Pro-Trump nationalist wins Poland's presidential election
A nationalist candidate backed by U.S. leader Donald Trump won Poland's presidential election, defeating the centrist mayor of Warsaw in a blow to the country's pro-European Union government. Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian and former boxer, won 50.9%, while Rafal Trzaskowski took 49.1%, according to Bloomberg News calculations based on data from 100% of precincts reported by the electoral commission. In months of campaigning, the nationalist managed to close what had been a formidable lead by Trzaskowski in polls. The ballot is likely to determine whether one of the EU's fastest-growing economies and one of NATO's biggest defense spenders remains a reliable partner within the 27-member bloc, which is under mounting pressure from Trump's tariffs and Russia's threat to the east. The narrow margin laid bare the polarization that's gripped the nation of 37 million, with issues such as migration, abortion and European integration sharply dividing voters. Nawrocki dismissed an early exit poll that showed Trzaskowski in the lead. "We will wake up tomorrow with President Karol Nawrocki,' the nationalist told supporters soon after polls closed on Sunday. Nawrocki received help from the White House, having visited Trump briefly in the Oval Office last month. On a visit to Poland last week, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urged Poles to vote for Nawrocki to ensure the country enjoys close ties with Trump. At stake is the agenda of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, whose coalition ousted Poland's nationalists in 2023. Their eight years in power brought scrutiny from Brussels over the rule of law and raised questions about the nation's allegiance to the liberal West. A Nawrocki win could jeopardize Tusk's ambition to return Warsaw to the EU mainstream and maintain bloc funding. Tusk's program has been stalled by outgoing President Andrzej Duda, a nationalist ally. Nawrocki told his supporters that his victory would amount to a check on Tusk's "monopoly' on power, which "takes away our great dreams and takes away our aspirations.' The vote had effectively become a referendum on Poland's future, including its role in Europe, women's rights, national identity and assistance to neighboring Ukraine. The two candidates encapsulated the nation's divide: Trzaskowski, the polyglot son of a jazz musician, against Nawrocki, who heads the Institute for National Remembrance, which investigates Nazi and communist-era crimes. A political newcomer, Nawrocki spent the campaign touting his core Catholic values while railing against migration and the EU's attempts to fight climate change. His campaign was dogged by allegations over a property purchase from an elderly seller and his participation in arranged fights between soccer hooligans. The turnout was 71.3%, compared with a record 74.4% during parliamentary elections two years ago and 68.2% in the last presidential runoff in 2020. While political power is held by the prime minister, Poland's president can veto legislation, nominates the central bank governor and leads the country's armed forces. The head of state is elected to a five-year term and is limited to two terms. The ballot could expose further cracks in Tusk's coalition and energize Nawrocki's backers in the populist the Law & Justice party as well as surging far-right factions ahead of the 2027 parliamentary elections. It's also a reality check for revved-up Polish assets, which have broadly rallied since Tusk's alliance won power two years ago. Warsaw's WIG20 stock index jumped 61% in dollar terms since the last parliamentary election, while government bonds returned 28%, most among emerging markets after South Africa and Thailand. While Tusk is admired abroad as the man who took on populism and won, his popularity at home has been waning because of disillusionment over his ability to deliver.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Poles begin voting for a new president in a pivotal runoff election
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poles began voting Sunday in a decisive presidential runoff that could set the course for the nation's political future and its relations with the European Union. The contest pits Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, a liberal pro-EU figure, against Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian backed by the right-wing Law and Justice party. The outcome will determine whether Poland continues along a nationalist path or pivots more decisively toward liberal democratic norms. With President Andrzej Duda completing his second and final term, the new president will have significant influence over whether Prime Minister Donald Tusk's centrist government can fulfill its centrist agenda, given the presidential power to veto laws. Voting began at 7 a.m. local time and will end at 9 p.m., when an Ipsos exit poll is expected. Final results are likely to be announced Monday. The runoff follows a tightly contested first round on May 18, in which Trzaskowski won just over 31% and Nawrocki nearly 30%, eliminating eleven other candidates. The campaign has highlighted stark ideological divides. Trzaskowski, 53, has promised to restore judicial independence, ease abortion restrictions, and promote constructive ties with European partners. Nawrocki, 42, has positioned himself as a defender of traditional Polish values, skeptical of the EU, and aligned with U.S. conservatives, including President Donald Trump. Nawrocki's candidacy has been clouded by allegations of past connections to criminal figures and participation in a violent street battle. He denies the criminal links but acknowledges having taken part in 'noble' fights. The revelations have not appeared to dent his support among right-wing voters, many of whom see media reports with the allegations as politically motivated. Amid rising security fears over Russia's war in neighboring Ukraine, both candidates support aid to Kyiv, though Nawrocki opposes NATO membership for Ukraine, while Trzaskowski supports it in the future.
Washington Post
4 days ago
- General
- Washington Post
Poles begin voting for a new president in a pivotal runoff election
WARSAW, Poland — Poles began voting Sunday in a decisive presidential runoff that could set the course for the nation's political future and its relations with the European Union. The contest pits Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, a liberal pro-EU figure, against Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian backed by the right-wing Law and Justice party.
Associated Press
4 days ago
- General
- Associated Press
Poles begin voting for a new president in a pivotal runoff election
WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Poles began voting Sunday in a decisive presidential runoff that could set the course for the nation's political future and its relations with the European Union. The contest pits Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, a liberal pro-EU figure, against Karol Nawrocki, a conservative historian backed by the right-wing Law and Justice party. The outcome will determine whether Poland continues along a nationalist path or pivots more decisively toward liberal democratic norms. With President Andrzej Duda completing his second and final term, the new president will have significant influence over whether Prime Minister Donald Tusk's centrist government can fulfill its centrist agenda, given the presidential power to veto laws. Voting began at 7 a.m. local time and will end at 9 p.m., when an Ipsos exit poll is expected. Final results are likely to be announced Monday. The runoff follows a tightly contested first round on May 18, in which Trzaskowski won just over 31% and Nawrocki nearly 30%, eliminating eleven other candidates. The campaign has highlighted stark ideological divides. Trzaskowski, 53, has promised to restore judicial independence, ease abortion restrictions, and promote constructive ties with European partners. Nawrocki, 42, has positioned himself as a defender of traditional Polish values, skeptical of the EU, and aligned with U.S. conservatives, including President Donald Trump. Nawrocki's candidacy has been clouded by allegations of past connections to criminal figures and participation in a violent street battle. He denies the criminal links but acknowledges having taken part in 'noble' fights. The revelations have not appeared to dent his support among right-wing voters, many of whom see media reports with the allegations as politically motivated. Amid rising security fears over Russia's war in neighboring Ukraine, both candidates support aid to Kyiv, though Nawrocki opposes NATO membership for Ukraine, while Trzaskowski supports it in the future.
