Navigating a New Era: The UK-EU Reset and Its Implications for 2025

In early 2025, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to attend an informal summit of EU leaders, marking a significant move towards re-establishing UK-EU relations since the divisive Brexit negotiations. The summit’s primary focus will be on security and defence cooperation, amid global instability, including conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, and the potential return of Donald Trump to US politics, which raises concerns about Western unity and NATO’s future.

The UK has suffered economically since Brexit, losing a vital partner and military ally in the EU, while the Labour government recognizes that European relations are crucial for its domestic agenda, particularly concerning the economy, defence, and migration. Despite promising an ‘ambitious reset’ of relations, skepticism exists in Brussels regarding the UK government’s commitment to significant compromises that would facilitate this relationship.

Key areas for potential agreement include non-binding arrangements on security cooperation, which could be politically palatable for Labour, avoiding accusations of backtracking on Brexit. The EU perceives limited economic gains for the UK without compromising on key issues such as joining the EU’s customs union or single market.

Though there is a mutual interest in renewing ties, especially in sectors like energy, food trade, and illegal migration management, the Labour government faces domestic opposition to any significant concessions, particularly regarding free movement. The article emphasizes that any progress is likely contingent on public perceptions of gain versus sacrifice, as a YouGov poll reveals a majority of UK voters favor increased engagement with the EU, indicating a substantial shift in public sentiment toward cooperation.