October 2, 2024
British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is in Brussels as part of a “drive to improve Britain’s relationship with the European Union”. But beyond the handshakes and smiles, it is unclear whether the promised ‘reset’ will deliver any real benefits.
Even before Keir Starmer arrived, both sides had already set expectations from this trip to Brussels. Events around the world have also extended beyond the meeting.
Although the Prime Minister has met Ursula von der Leyen informally several times since taking office, including last week at the UN, this is her first Brexit meeting with the president of the European Commission.
A row of UK and EU flags hung limply outside the European Commission’s unusually windless headquarters this afternoon, as President von der Leyen greeted Keir Starmer with the now-often-used Brussels words: “In these uncertain times, equal partners, like us, we must cooperate more closely.”
While the EU is happy to improve its relationship with the UK, there are suspicions that the new British government has an agenda that may not be useful.
It is not surprising that President von der Leyen is only committed to “exploring the scope” to do more with the UK, and firmly insists that the main goal should be to complete the Brexit deal that exists between the UK and the EU.
“We need to explore the scope for other cooperation while we focus on the full and faithful implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, the Windsor Framework and the TCA (Trade and Cooperation Agreement)”, he said.
Keir Starmer said the public expected the government to “get Brexit done and … find ways to boost economic growth, strengthen security and tackle common challenges like irregular migration and climate change.”
And Downing Street insisted that the Prime Minister “remains focused on delivering the fundamental security pact, securing our borders and tackling trade barriers.”
However, in reality, both want to be different.
Enthusiasm for a deal on security has been muted as Britain and the EU find ways to coordinate through the G7. Diplomats say the allies can stay on the same page without Brexit Britain has too much influence on EU decision-making.
On economic matters, some argue extending the existing UK-EU free trade agreement would revert to cherry picking, potentially giving the UK single market advantages with nothing in return.
On migration, there are countries, like France and Germany, asking for an EU deal with the UK, but if it means that the UK has to take a share of EU migrants, then there is no London.
The European Union previously wanted to promote so-called youth mobility, to make it easier for EU students to study in the UK. But when the European Commission put forward the proposals earlier in the year, they were quickly dismissed by both, then, the Conservative government, and Labor.
Then there is Labour’s manifesto commitment to a veterinary agreement with the EU. This will allow the freer flow of agricultural and food products between the UK and the EU and will be welcomed by farmers and supermarkets.
The deal would boost UK agricultural food exports by more than a fifth, according to one estimate. It is thought that the EU will also benefit by increasing exports to the UK.
But the ‘vet’ deal will almost certainly require the UK to follow EU agri-food rules, including rulings by the European Court of Justice. And since taking office, Labor has, so far, been in no rush to make such a deal.
Both sides indicated that it would be months before serious discussions on the issue could take place.
A new European commissioner has not yet been confirmed in office and will have other priorities as he walks past his desk.
However, if the UK wants to move forward, the EU will not be dead set on doing more. If the benefits outweigh the pain to reopen the UK box.
“We decided to put this relationship back in a stable and positive position, which I think everyone wants to see”, said Keir Starmer, giving Ursula von der Leyen a smile.
