STORY
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer hosted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at Downing Street on Thursday, as the UK and EU move towards a renewed partnership encompassing defence, trade, and energy cooperation. The meeting focused on shared priorities, including support for Ukraine, energy security, and the global economy. Both leaders condemned the recent deadly Russian missile strike on Kyiv and reaffirmed their commitment to stand with Ukraine “for as long as it takes” .
Discussions also addressed ongoing negotiations aimed at strengthening the UK-EU relationship. Significant progress has been made, with both sides instructing their teams to continue working towards an ambitious package of agreements to be unveiled at the first UK-EU summit next month.
Potential areas of agreement include a youth mobility scheme, a veterinary deal to ease food trade, and enhanced defence cooperation. The proposed defence pact could grant UK defence firms access to the EU’s €150bn SAFE fund, while the SPS agreement may mirror the EU-Switzerland model to reduce border checks on agricultural goods.
Prime Minister Starmer emphasised that a strengthened UK-EU partnership would improve the lives of working people in the UK, drive economic growth, and enhance national security. The leaders agreed to maintain close contact in the coming weeks as preparations continue for the May summit, which aims to formalise a new chapter in UK-EU relations.