British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss a reset in the relationship between the UK and the EU. Starmer, who won the election in July, has ruled out returning to the EU’s single market, customs union, or freedom of movement arrangements but is seeking to tweak the relationship in other areas.
Starmer has visited several European capitals to lay the groundwork for this reset, with a focus on issues such as trade, security, and youth mobility. While the EU shares his desire for a joint security pact, negotiations on barriers to the movement of goods and people may be more challenging.
The meeting with von der Leyen was described as the beginning of a conversation on how the relationship between Britain and the EU could evolve. Starmer also plans to hold talks with European Council President Charles Michel and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola.
While Starmer’s warmer tone has been welcomed by EU leaders, changes in the substance of the relationship will be subject to tough negotiation. For instance, Starmer has rejected the EU’s proposal for a youth mobility scheme, but analysts suggest that a limited exchange program could potentially help achieve the government’s goal of boosting economic growth.
Overall, Starmer’s government is focused on establishing a stable and positive relationship with the EU while addressing key issues such as trade, security, and mobility. The discussions between Starmer and EU leaders, while challenging, aim to pave the way for future cooperation and understanding between the two parties.
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