Britain, EU agree post-Brexit defense and trade reset

LONDON: Britain and the European Union agreed Monday to the most significant reset of their defense and trade ties since Brexit, spurred by global instability and former U.S. President Donald Trump’s disruptive impact on international alliances, Reuters reported.

Nearly nine years after voting to leave the bloc, Britain — Europe’s second-largest defense spender — will join EU-led military procurement projects. The deal also eases food exports and travel between the U.K. and the EU, while finalizing a contentious fishing agreement.

The shift comes as Trump’s trade tariffs and calls for Europe to bolster its own security have forced nations to reassess partnerships. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who supported remaining in the EU during the 2016 referendum, has sought closer ties with French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders.

At a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, Starmer called the agreement “a new era in our relationship.”

Von der Leyen said it signaled unity amid global turmoil: “At a time of instability, when our continent faces the greatest threat in generations, we in Europe stick together.”

The deal aims to cut red tape for U.K. food and agricultural producers, potentially lowering costs, improving energy security, and adding nearly 9 billion pounds ($12.1 billion) to Britain’s economy by 2040. It follows recent agreements with India and the U.S., though analysts say an immediate economic boost is unlikely.

On fishing, British and EU vessels will retain access to each other’s waters for 12 years — a concession by the U.K. — in exchange for reduced border checks that had hindered small exporters.

Britain also agreed in principle to a limited youth mobility scheme and is discussing rejoining the EU’s Erasmus+ student exchange program. The moves could help Starmer counter criticism from Brexit advocates like Nigel Farage, who has accused the government of betrayal.