Brussels/London: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to advocate for a reset of relations when he meets with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday. The meeting has been characterized by Brussels as a “first conversation” addressing pivotal issues such as trade, security, and youth mobility.
Following his Labour Party’s victory in the July election, Starmer has emphasized that his government will not pursue a wholesale renegotiation of the Brexit deal that led to Britain’s exit from the European Union. Instead, he aims to refine the existing relationship across various domains. The EU shares Starmer’s interest in establishing a joint security pact, although discussions regarding barriers to the movement of goods and people could become more contentious.
“We will only be able to tackle (international) challenges by putting our collective weight behind them, which is why I am so determined to put the Brexit years behind us and establish a more pragmatic and mature relationship with the European Union,” Starmer stated ahead of his visit.
Since his election, Starmer has already engaged in talks in Berlin, Paris, Rome, and Dublin to lay the groundwork for improved ties. In addition to meeting with von der Leyen, he will also confer with European Council President Charles Michel and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on Wednesday.
“The word reset is being used by both sides, so obviously it will be an opportunity to discuss a possible way forward,” a Commission spokesperson remarked this week. “This is a first meeting of the two, and therefore it will simply be the beginning of a conversation.”
Starmer has ruled out any return to the EU’s single market, customs union, or freedom of movement arrangements. However, he has committed to pursuing a new veterinary agreement aimed at minimizing border checks. Additionally, he seeks mutual recognition of specific professional qualifications and more accessible opportunities for artists touring in the EU.
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A More Amicable Approach
Starmer’s more amicable tone has been positively received by EU leaders, but both sides acknowledge that altering the substance of their relationship will require rigorous negotiations, even if the core tenets of the Brexit settlement remain unchanged.
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For example, Starmer has indicated that there are no plans for a youth mobility scheme, dismissing an EU proposal that would allow citizens aged 18 to 30 from the EU to reside in the UK and permit young Britons to stay in the EU for up to four years. Youth mobility is a crucial demand from the EU, and London’s potential acceptance—perhaps in a diluted form—may be a prerequisite for advancing Britain’s objectives.
