On May 19, 2025, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Council President Ursula von der Leyen jointly announced agreements reached in four major areas: food trade, fisheries, defense cooperation, and border control. Starmer described the agreements as a “win-win” situation, emphasizing their significance for the UK.
Von der Leyen also hailed the agreements as a “historic moment,” highlighting enhanced cooperation in judiciary and immigration, including joint operations through Europol. She stated, “Crime does not stop at borders, and our response should not stop there.”
Starmer mentioned that following the agreements’ implementation, UK travelers entering and exiting EU countries can use e-Gates to avoid long queues, addressing a significant day-to-day issue for the public.
A new Youth Mobility Scheme will be established between the UK and EU, facilitating residency, study, or work for young people in each other’s countries. The specifics regarding quotas and conditions for individuals aged 18 to 30 are yet to be finalized.
Starmer clarified that this scheme is not without limits, and details will be resolved through bilateral consensus agreements in the future.
Von der Leyen emphasized the importance of demonstrating “clear political will” by both sides, stating that this is “good news for young people.”
Regarding fisheries, the UK and EU agreed to extend current arrangements until 2038, allowing EU vessels to continue operating in UK waters. When questioned by BBC journalists about whether this decision betrays UK fishermen, Starmer stressed that it is a stable and advantageous arrangement for the British fishing industry. He pointed out that the previous agreement would have led to annual negotiations from 2026, resulting in instability for all parties.
Von der Leyen added that this 12-year agreement will provide a stable investment environment for fishermen on both sides of the English Channel.
An indefinite food standard agreement was also reached between the UK and EU, aimed at streamlining customs procedures for agricultural product trade, particularly for items like meat and dairy. This agreement aims to reduce border inspections and related paperwork, promoting freer trade in food and beverages.
While both the UK and EU emphasize not returning to a customs union or re-entering the single market, they aim to deepen trade cooperation and institutional dialogue within the framework of UK’s sovereignty principles.
European Council President Antonio Costa stated, “We are turning a new page. Our aim is not to return to the single market or customs union but to move forward together as neighbors, partners, allies, and friends.”
The EU outlined plans for closer coordination in various fields in the future, including combating unfair trade practices, ensuring stable supply chains, addressing bilateral trade disputes, restoring regular high-level economic and trade dialogues to resolve practical frictions, and coordinating positions on global market issues.
According to Reuters, one core aspect of the agreement will be a defense and security agreement that could open the door for UK defense companies to participate in Europe’s €1.5 trillion (approximately $1.67 trillion) military restructuring plan.
Through the new defense and security agreement, the UK can participate in the EU’s defense development fund. Starmer stated that this would benefit the UK’s steel and defense industries, facilitate the UK’s re-entry into the European electricity market, and simplify carbon emission taxation.
Von der Leyen stated, “This marks a new chapter in our relationship,” emphasizing shared concerns about energy prices and energy independence. The EU welcomes the UK’s return to closer collaboration.
Starmer described the efficiency of the six-month negotiations as unprecedented, noting that in the past, addressing just one of these issues would have taken significant time and effort.