UK and EU Move Closer After Five Years Since Brexit... Resetting Relations

Security Pact Expected to Be Announced at Summit
UK Opposition Parties Protest 'Surrender'

The United Kingdom and the European Union (EU) are set to reset their relationship for the first time in five years. On May 19 (local time), UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa will hold a summit aimed at strengthening ties.

The UK Prime Minister's Office stated on May 18, "We will reach agreements in the national interest."

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (left) and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

The United Kingdom decided to leave the EU through the Brexit referendum in 2017 and officially exited the EU in 2020.

Bloomberg News reported that negotiation representatives from the UK and the EU continued talks until the evening of that day and are expected to announce agreements such as a defense and security pact. Foreign media outlets predict that this summit could open the way for the UK to participate in the EU's 150 billion euro (approximately 235 trillion won) 'rearmament plan.' The UK hopes that this will revitalize its domestic defense industry.

Other agenda items include allowing UK citizens to use electronic automated border gates (e-gates) at EU borders, easing regulations on UK-produced food, and strengthening links between energy and carbon markets.

However, The Guardian reported that key issues such as extending fishing rights for EU fishermen in UK waters and easing restrictions on youth mobility between both sides remain unresolved until the last minute. An EU diplomat told The Guardian, "The entire discussion is one package," and added, "We will not accept elements favorable to the UK without strong guarantees and commitments on issues important to the EU, such as fisheries, energy, and youth mobility." Nick Thomas-Symonds, the UK Cabinet Office Minister in charge of negotiations, said, "Negotiations have entered the final hours," but noted that key details are still being coordinated.

The UK opposition parties are strongly objecting. Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform UK party, and Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, criticized the Labour government's efforts as a 'surrender' and stated that they would scrap the agreements if they come to power.

Public opinion in the UK is positive about attempts to reset relations with the EU. According to a poll conducted in March by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Hold sway, 66% of UK citizens supported closer ties with the EU. Only 20% opposed.

According to a YouGov poll in January, 62% of respondents assessed Brexit as closer to a failure. Only 11% responded that it was closer to a success. Additionally, 64% wanted a closer relationship with the EU or the single market, even without rejoining them.