The 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.

The landing of Donald Trump in the White House It has shaken the international order that emerged from the Second World War and the collapse of the Soviet Union. One of the many effects, evident from Westminster, has been the already perceptible rapprochement of London with Brussels and also Paris. immediately after Keir Starmer's election victory Last July, under the Labour government, Brexit isn't a source of enthusiasm. It wants to rebuild its relationship with the European Union and repair the wounds it left. But despite the complicity of recent weeks in the arms race to defend Ukraine and a Europe abandoned, or almost abandoned, by the United States, many rough edges remain unsmoothed. And they won't be easy to smooth.