Renew Europe welcomes today’s landmark EU-UK summit in London and the announcement of the beginning of a reset in relations – a long-overdue and necessary first step to rebuild trust and forge a more strategic and cooperative partnership with the United Kingdom. In a world marked by increasing geopolitical tension, particularly in light of Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, today’s agreement signals a pragmatic shift towards European unity, resilience, and alignment.
The Defence and Security Partnership at the heart of this reset is especially significant. It reflects the reality that Europe’s security cannot be addressed in isolation, and that the UK remains a vital partner in the broader effort to defend democratic values and international law.
Valérie Hayer, President of Renew Europe, said:
"This is a turning point for EU–UK relations; Britain is back as a reliable European partner. Today’s agreement reflects a shared recognition that our futures are interconnected – strategically, economically, and politically. The Defence and Security Partnership is more than symbolism; it is a clear step toward convergence between the EU and UK in a dangerous world.
To borrow Churchill’s words, today must mark the end of the beginning of a reset – not the beginning of the end. We have a real opportunity to build a stronger, more prosperous future together."
In addition to defence and broader cooperation, Renew Europe also underlines the importance of the progress made in key areas such as food safety (SPS), fisheries, and the need for more progress on digital innovation, particularly artificial intelligence.
We warmly welcomes the EU and UK's commitment to strengthening youth mobility, a key priority long championed by our political group. The political will expressed in the joint statement marks a significant positive step forward.
We now call for swift concrete results to deliver new opportunities for young people in professional mobility, education, au pair exchanges, and volunteering. All options within the Erasmus+ framework must be thoroughly explored.
Our ambition remains steadfast: to create meaningful, accessible opportunities that empower the next generation of Europeans and Britons to build bridges across borders.
The involvement of the European Parliament in future summits will be essential to ensure democratic accountability and ambition.
Sandro Gozi, Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, said:
"The EU–UK relationship is back on track! While celebrating what has been achieved today, Renew Europe calls for greater ambition – not only in defence and fisheries, but also on youth mobility, digital cooperation, artificial intelligence, and research. Young people must not continue to be the victims of Brexit. There is a strong desire from Parliamentarians on both sides of the Channel to improve cooperation; we must seize this opportunity. As the Beatles once sang, it’s time to come together – and this reset can become the foundation for a more ambitious, forward-looking relationship."
Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the European Parliament’s Security and Defence Committee, said:
“I explicitly welcome today’s agreement. It sends a clear signal – to Moscow and other authoritarian regimes alike: Europe stands united. Security is not a bargaining chip; it is a shared responsibility. The fact that the United Kingdom and the European Union are moving closer again five years after Brexit is an encouraging sign. The UK remains an integral part of Europe, especially when it comes to security, defence, and the protection of our shared values. This agreement is a step in the right direction – towards greater cooperation, more stability, and a strong European alliance that reaches beyond institutional boundaries.”
Renew Europe urges both sides to seize this momentum and build a broad, long-term partnership that reflects our shared interests and common values. In an era where global challenges demand unity, the EU and UK must lead together. |
