London gives in on fishing and strengthens the defense alliance to rebuild bridges with the EU

LondonThe European Union and the United Kingdom reached new agreements today in London that mark a turning the page on Brexit. "A new beginning for old friends," in the words of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Highlights include an extension to twelve years of fishing access for the European fleet in British waters, although there will be no increase in the amount of fish that EU vessels will be able to catch. In return, some routine checks on animal and plant products will be completely eliminated, allowing goods to move freely again, including between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Other measures will allow British tourists to use automatic passport gates (e-cats) in Europe. The United Kingdom and the EU have also agreed to cooperate on a youth experience program, which will allow young people to work and travel freely within Europe again for a limited period. Finally, a new security and defense partnership will be launched.

London went back more than five years this Monday: to the era of the Brexit battles. Spread by supporters of re-entry into the European Union, the Song of joy –the European anthem– was played outside Lancaster House, 300 metres from Buckingham Palace, as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed President von der Leyen and the President of the European Council, António Costa, for the first summit since the breakage, as of January 31, 2020A summit that Downing Street has touted as a "reboot" of ties with Brussels and which, according to Von der Leyen, represents "a new chapter in the relationship with the United Kingdom," "a global partner," as Costa also said at the start of the meeting.

Since Starmer came to power in July of last year, he premier He had expressed a willingness to rebuild bridges with the EU, which should allow for "improving the lives of the country's workers in times of uncertainty," he said. The prime minister also asserted that the new agreements will make it possible to "reduce citizens' bills," for example, in the energy sector. Brexiteer, which is already accusing him of "betraying the will of the people." In any case, the most painful aspect of the various agreements reached for anti-EU activists is the aforementioned extension of fishing licenses in UK territorial waters.

Today's elaborate choreography is the culmination of the aforementioned "reset" and, at the same time, is also the beginning of a process that must have future stages. "We still have a lot of work to do," Ursula von der Leyen also said.

The weak UK economy, the trade damage caused by Brexit, and the shakeup of the global geopolitical landscape caused by Donald Trump's arrival at the White House have made the three types of agreements reached possible. But in no case do they cross the red lines of either the 27 or the United Kingdom: no return to the customs union, no return to the single market, and no freedom of movement, so experts consider the scope of all this to be "unambitious."

Three frames of reference

London and Brussels have signed a joint political declaration, a security and defense agreement, and a common understanding on various areas of cooperation. The declaration sets out common positions on major global challenges, such as the conflict in Ukraine, in which both parties commit to working together to achieve lasting peace. The text also addresses issues such as stability in the Middle East, the Western Balkans, and Moldova, in addition to the commitment to multilateralism and global economic security.

The chapter on security and defense—on which London has emphasized—formalizes in record time a solid framework for deepening collaboration in areas such as cybersecurity, the fight against disinformation, the protection of critical infrastructure, maritime and space security, and threat response.

Furthermore, this agreement opens the door to British participation in key EU initiatives, such as the joint procurement of defense equipment. In other words, the islands' military industry – BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce, mainly – could take a slice of the €150 billion pie, driven by Ursula von der Leyen's defense plan. However, specific rules will have to be developed to allow British companies access. It also extends to areas such as irregular migration, global health security, counterterrorism, and the link between climate change and security.

Regarding the common understanding agreement, the reactivation of a common energy market is considered, which would include British participation in the European electricity system, which would reduce costs and boost renewables in the United Kingdom. The aforementioned initiative to promote youth mobility is also planned, details and details. In principle, it would allow citizens aged 18 to 30 to settle in both the EU and British territory for a limited time. However, the 27 countries and London will work to reincorporate British students into the Erasmus exchange program.

Regarding trade and the environment, the common understanding plans to facilitate agri-food exports. However, the United Kingdom adopts EU phytosanitary standards dynamically: if Brussels changes them, London will accept them without any say. Links to emissions trading systems are also intended. Regarding internal security, ties with Europol and the exchange of criminal and biometric information will be strengthened. All of this points to a more cooperative and stable relationship between London and Brussels, although specific agreements will still be needed to achieve their concrete effects.

And while Starmer also wanted to emphasize that "today we leave behind old and sterile debates" and that "we look forward and not back," the Conservative opposition and Nigel Farage of the Reform Party were quick to harshly criticize the fisheries agreement and the lack of specificity regarding youth mobility. "Surrender," "betrayal," and a return to "freedom of movement" are the recurring arguments of the right and far right. Far from being right, Starmer is not the one to whom he has surrendered, but, once again, to the populists who, with Brexit, fostered the country's economic decline and, contrary to what they promised, fostered an exponential increase in immigration. immigration that now premier wants to lowerbut which, paradoxically, remains more necessary than ever.