The EU-UK Progressive Forum

The relaunch of relations between the EU and the UK marks a shift towards more constructive engagement following years of post-Brexit tension. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine made it clear that the EU and UK are facing a common threat and need to coordinate their policies better. While the UK has made clear that it will not return to the single market or customs union, the government of Keir Starmer has started to engage diplomatically with the EU, with a reset of the relationship as its priority.

This renewed cooperation is centered on shared interests such as security, trade, energy and climate action. Key developments include the resolution of disputes over the Northern Ireland Protocol through the Windsor Framework, and the UK’s re-entry into the Horizon Europe research programme. While challenges remain, both sides appear committed to stabilizing and strengthening their partnership in a more pragmatic and collaborative spirit.

The summit on 19 May laid the foundations for a “new era” of EU-UK partnership. Leaders identified shared global challenges, formalised a security and defence partnership, and signed a document on ‘Common Understanding’ setting out the agreements reached on fisheries, energy cooperation, youth mobility and a renewed commitment to tackle irregular migration. Even though the atmosphere was described as respectful and constructive, the preparations were tense and the success of the summit not a given.

What are the benefits both partners are expecting from a better partnership on a mid- to long- term perspective? What networks are needed to develop mutual understanding and deeper trust in each beyond cumbersome technical negotiations towards a long term and stable partnership?

This conference focused on the ‘big picture’ strategic questions that will structure the future of UK-EU relations and broader geopolitics. Leveraging the joint expertise and networks of FES and FEPS, it convened politicians as well as experts from the UK, the EU and selected member states to build trust and understanding around political issues such as security, trade, migration, energy, and mobility. Ultimately, the participants should have developed a joint long-term vision of the future EU-UK partnership.

The first, public part of the conference addressed the outcome of the EU-UK summit in terms of impact on the strategic partnership and security in Europe. The closed workshop sessions on the following day addressed the above-mentioned topics more specifically to spell out what the partnership in these areas could look like.

For more information, please contact Ania Skrzypek, Director for Research and Training (ania.skrzypek@feps-europe.eu) and/or, Céline Guedes (celine.guedes@feps-europe.eu), Coordinator of Partnership and Project.