MEPs are calling for “greater ambition” in rebuilding the EU UK relationship ahead of the next EU UK Summit in July.
This comes on a momentous days for the UK, with the announced departure of its PM Sir Keir Starmer.
It was announced on the eve of the tenth anniversary of the United Kingdom’s referendum to leave the European Union.
Renew Europe MEPs were among the quickest to react in the EU paraliament, saying they will support a debate in the European Parliament on future EU UK relations during the forthcoming July plenary session.
This comes as Members take stock of progress made since the first EU UK summit and consider the next steps in strengthening cooperation.
Comment on Monday came from Sandro Gozi (Renew Europe, France), Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the EU UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly.
The MEP said:”Ten years after the Brexit referendum, Europe and the United Kingdom face a profoundly different world. Russia’s war against Ukraine, growing geopolitical competition and the need to strengthen our economic resilience mean that a closer partnership is no longer simply desirable, it is a strategic necessity.
“The July Summit must deliver greater ambition on security, defence, youth opportunities, research and economic cooperation. But we also need a long-term vision. Whoever forms the next UK Government should have the courage to set out a clear strategy for Britain’s place in Europe, worthy of Britain’s young people who see themselves as Europeans.
“Ten years is a long time in politics. It is an eternity in geopolitics. Our relationship must continue to evolve to reflect the shared interests and common values that unite us.”
Barry Andrews MEP (Renew Europe, Ireland), member of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the EU UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, added:
“For those of us on the island of Ireland, Brexit has never been an abstract political debate. It has had real consequences for communities, businesses and cross-border cooperation. Ten years after the Brexit vote, we need much more ambition.
“As the United Kingdom enters a new political chapter, there is an opportunity to look forward, not back. I hope the next Government will embrace a more ambitious relationship with the European Union, building on the progress made and recognising that our shared security and prosperity depend on closer cooperation.
“The July Summit should mark the beginning of a more ambitious long-term partnership.”
EU leaders reacted to the news on Monday with European Council president António Costa reported as saying the upcoming summit on 22 July between the UK and EU might have to be rearranged.
He said, “for sure we need to postpone it, but we are reassessing the opportunity to hold this new summit.”
