The UK-EU Reset: Charting a Post-Summit Roadmap for Cooperation in Trade, Security, and Global Governance

On 19th May 2025, the UK-EU Summit was held in London, United Kingdom.

- Prof. Kakoli Sengupta

The Summit was especially significant as it took place nine years after the Brexit vote and five years since the UK formally left the EU. It marked an important step towards closer cooperation and a renewed strategic partnership. António Costa, President of the European Council, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met at the Summit to discuss a “reset” in the UK-EU relationship.

The Summit resulted in the adoption of three key documents: a Joint Statement, a Security and Defence Partnership, and a Common Understanding on a renewed agenda for EU-UK cooperation.

The Joint Statement outlined a new Strategic Partnership between the UK and EU, building on the foundations of the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). Global and strategic priorities of mutual concern were highlighted. The UK and EU leaders joined Ukraine and international partners, including the United States, in calling for a full, unconditional ceasefire and meaningful talks aimed at ending Russia's war of aggression and restoring a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

On the Middle East, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to securing an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid.