EU–UK Summit on 19 May must mark a turning point

Ahead of the upcoming EU–UK Summit on 19 May, Renew Europe has called for the meeting to serve as a pivotal moment in relaunching and deepening strategic ties between the European Union and the United Kingdom.

In a debate on the Summit in the European Parliament, MEP Sandro Gozi (Renew, France), Chair of the European Parliament's Delegation to the EU–UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly (EU–UK PPA), underlined that it is often in times of unexpected global developments — and through bold new initiatives — that real political momentum is forged. Mr Gozi said:

“The geopolitical landscape is shifting rapidly, with events in Kyiv, Washington, and Gaza already reshaping the world order — and more change is coming. This is the time to establish a stronger strategic partnership between Europe and the United Kingdom, rooted in mutual trust and shared democratic values.”

Renew Europe believes an enhanced relationship must be based on a firm foundation: full respect for existing agreements and the pursuit of new opportunities for cooperation, especially in fields such as youth engagement and dialogue on artificial intelligence.

“Trust also means delivering concrete solutions on unresolved issues such as fisheries and energy. This is the spirit of the recommendation adopted by the EU–UK Parliamentary Assembly in March, which must be fully taken into account at the Summit,” Mr Gozi added.

Looking ahead, Mr Gozi called for a renewed vision of European security and cooperation, and for joint EU–UK leadership on the global stage in building a new alliance of democracies.

“This is a moment to rethink our shared future. By working hand-in-hand, the EU and UK can be at the forefront of a new global democratic partnership that responds to today’s challenges and tomorrow’s responsibilities.”