Starmer begins rebooting UK-EU relations post-Brexit — Media.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a trip to Brussels, marking the first step in rebooting relations between London and the EU post-Brexit, reports Bloomberg.

The Labour Party, which came to power in the UK for the first Time since 2010, intends to repair the damage to London's relations with the EU, caused by long-standing controversies over Brexit. According to individuals familiar with the situation, the UK and the EU plan to hold the first bilateral summit as early as next year.

However, the UK and the EU have different priorities, meaning they face challenging negotiations.

Starmer desires closer cooperation in defense, reduced food checks, and recognition of professional qualifications. The UK also continues to uphold its borders, with no changes without joining the single market and customs union.

The EU wants any new agreements to be based on the full implementation of agreements already signed post-Brexit. The EU aims for a youth mobility agreement, energy cooperation, guarantees for citizens' rights, and a fishing agreement. Germany and France are calling for a bloc-wide migration agreement, but Starmer is currently considering the possibility of more bilateral agreements with France and Italy.

EU diplomats see the feasibility of the UK’s proposals on security and veterinary agreements but express disappointment at the lack of detail in private meetings, with some member states urging caution in establishing new agreements with London.

European diplomats are also disappointed by Starmer's rejection of the proposal for free movement for young people aged 18 to 30 between the EU and the UK for four years.

Although last week Starmer stated that the UK does not want such an agreement, the London government is ready to discuss this idea in the context of broader negotiations.

UK officials expect formal negotiations to begin in December or January. Diplomats from both the UK and the EU believe that 2025 is critical for concluding these agreements and caution that the momentum from the reboot will dissipate after that period.

This week, Starmer may also raise the issue of a new biometric data exchange system that could cause border delays starting in November.

Source: ZN.UA