'Determined to put ties on positive footing': Starmer meets EU chief to reset UK-EU ties in first Brussels visit

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday met European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen and pledged to establish a “positive footing” for UK-EU ties, which took a beating following the tensions of Brexit.

While Starmer has committed to a “reset” with the European Union, he has provided limited specifics since assuming office in July on how to enhance the carefully negotiated agreements that have governed relations since the UK left the bloc.

“I firmly believe that the British public wants to return to pragmatic, sensible leadership when it comes to dealing with our closest neighbours, to make Brexit work,” AFP quoted Starmer as saying as he headed into talks with European Commission chief.

“We are determined to put this relationship back on a stable, positive footing that I think we all want to see,” he added.

Von der Leyen, who also met Starmer during last month’s UN General Assembly, told him that “in these very uncertain times, like-minded partners like us must cooperate more closely”.

“We should explore the scope for more cooperation while we focus on the full and faithful implementation of the withdrawal agreement,” AFP quoted her as saying.

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In a post on X earlier, Starmer said, “The UK is stronger when we work in lockstep with our closest international partners. This has never been more important with war, conflict and insecurity all knocking on Europe’s door. Better co-operation will secure our borders, keep us safe and boost economic growth.”

The UK is stronger when we work in lockstep with our closest international partners.

This has never been more important with war, conflict and insecurity all knocking on Europe’s door.

Better co-operation will secure our borders, keep us safe and boost economic growth. pic.twitter.com/AGELbS6g9l

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 2, 2024

Starmer’s visit — the first by a British prime minister to EU headquarters since 2020 — aims to signal a new chapter following his Labour party’s ousting of the Conservatives from power.

Although Starmer, who voted to remain in the EU during the 2016 referendum, emphasises that this reset will not involve reversing Brexit — a highly sensitive topic in the UK — he faces pressure to clarify what he seeks from the EU and what concessions he is willing to make in return.

Downing Street stated that he plans to discuss “his ambitions for the coming months” with the European Commission chief and other EU leaders during the trip.

‘Present a plan’

Labour wants improvements to the existing Trade and Co-operation Agreement between the UK and the EU that is due for renewal in 2026.

These include negotiating a new security pact with the 27-member bloc, a veterinary agreement to ease border checks on farm produce and mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

Before heading to Brussels, Starmer first held bilateral meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian premier Giorgia Meloni – a timeline that has raised some eyebrows.

“In view of London’s public announcement of a new start in our relations, it is indeed remarkable that a visit to Brussels has not yet taken place,” commented David McAllister, the German chair of the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee.

Though giving away few details, Starmer has laid down clear red lines for any negotiations, pledging no return to the European single market or customs union, or any return to freedom of movement.

“Starmer has to present the plan,” said Mujtaba Rahman, managing director for Europe at political risk consultancy Eurasia Group.

‘Broad brushstrokes’

The British leader has poured cold water on the EU’s big proposal so far – a youth mobility scheme for 18- to 30-year-olds.

Brexit ended the free movement of EU citizens to live and work in Britain, and vice versa.

The EU would like younger people from its member countries to be able to move freely in the UK.

But Starmer has rejected the idea over fears it looks too much like freedom of movement. The interior ministry is resistant to anything that increases levels of legal migration.

The EU’s ambassador to the UK, Pedro Serrano, played down the notion that the proposal was a stumbling block last week. He likened it to a “gap year” that would not give EU citizens the right to work in Britain.

Analysts say Labour could be tempted by a limited exchange programme if it helps to achieve its overarching objective of boosting economic growth.

The European Commission has said the meeting would “simply be the beginning of a conversation”.

An EU diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity indicated the chat would focus on “broad brushstrokes”, with nothing concrete expected from it.

“A lot of work would need to go into defining how anything could work,” the diplomat said.

With inputs from agencies