An EU leader says that despite Brexit there is “great potential” in what the 27-strong bloc and UK can achieve together.
EU council president Antonio Costa was speaking on Monday after what he called “a timely and truly productive summit” between the two sides in London on Monday.
Both Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who met UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in the UK capital, later announced a “new chapter” in EU-UK relations.
The inaugural EU-UK leaders’ summit. the EU said in a statement, “confirms a shared commitment to stronger collaboration and mutual understanding in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.”
In his comments, Costa was reminded of what Starmer’s stated “ambition to reset the relationship between the UK and EU.
Costa added, “I am proud to say — we, together, have delivered on that ambition. We all succeeded.”
The agreements reached on Monday, “mark not just progress but a new chapter in the relationship between the UK and the EU.”
He added, “Over the past months, we have worked tirelessly to rebuild trust. In an increasingly volatile world, deeper collaboration between like-minded partners — natural allies like us — is not a luxury. It is a necessity.”
“I felt a new, positive energy in our relationship. I saw the great potential of what we can accomplish together — to make real, tangible progress for the people of the EU and the UK.
“Since then, we have worked hand in hand. To support Ukraine. To increase pressure on Russia, to stabilize and strengthen the transatlantic partnership and uphold international law and defending the United Nations Charter amid growing security threats.”
He stated “pride” in the summit outcome:
on cooperation on global issues and
a security and defence partnership.
“These agreements represent more than just words on paper and are a reflection of our shared commitments — to security, to prosperity, to development, and to the people we serve on both sides of the Channel.
“Our relationship is grounded in shared values, mutual interests, and the simple fact of our geographical closeness.
“We are neighbours, allies, partners. And we are friends.”
Costa, a former PM in Portugal, went on, “Times are changing and the rules-based international order is under attack. Multilateralism is being tested but the EU and UK are providers of global stability. We must be guardians of the rules based global order.
“Europe faces the gravest security threat in decades — provoked by Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. But both the UK and the EU are united in one belief: We share a fundamental responsibility for the security of Europe.
That is why we are committed to continuing our efforts — together — to achieve a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine. A peace that guarantees Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The ball is now in Russia’s court. Together, we will intensify pressure on President Putin — including through a new package of sanctions — to bring him to the negotiating table. Russia must agree to an unconditional ceasefire.
“It must stop being a threat to Ukraine and to European security.”
On defence, Costa said the new partnership will bring deeper cooperation, strengthen Europe‘s contribution to NATO and sharpen the focus on common strategic priorities.
On trade, the two sides are committed o economic stability, believe in free trade as the “engine of prosperity — for our citizens and for the global economy.”
On migration, they will work together to reduce irregular flows and strengthen cooperation with countries of origin and transit.
At the summit they also addressed the situation in the Middle East and “the tragic humanitarian crisis in Gaza — a tragedy where international law is being systematically violated, and an entire population is subjected to disproportionate military force,” he said.
“There must be safe, swift and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. The remaining hostages must be unconditionally released. And a permanent ceasefire must be reached — now. Our discussion reaffirmed our shared conviction that lasting peace and security in the Middle East can only be achieved through the implementation of a two-state solution.”
Costa said the deal struck in London was “testament” to Starmer’s “determination and to the new tone you have brought to our relationship.”
The EU and UK are “stronger when we stand together and this is the message that underpins our renewed cooperation.”
