Leading MEPs urge a deeper partnership ahead of the first UK-EU Summit 

In view of the upcoming first UK-EU Summit taking place on 19 May 2025, the following MEPs issued a statement: Co-Chairs of the European Parliament's United Kingdom Contact Group (UKCG) - Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, David McAllister (EPP, Germany), Chair of the Committee on International Trade, Bernd Lange (S&D, Germany) and Chair of the Delegation for relations with the UK, Sandro Gozi (Renew Europe, France), the Committee on Foreign Affairs’ Standing Rapporteur on relations with the UK, Thijs Reuten (S&D, the Netherlands), and the Committee on International Trade’s Standing Rapporteur on relations with the UK, Nina Carberry (EPP, Ireland):

“The EU and the UK are close, like-minded partners and allies, sharing common values and facing a serious volatile global security situation as well as divisions in the global economic order with unilateral and unjustified trade measures. Our security, welfare and prosperity are inextricably linked. Our relationship is based on the full respect and the faithful and timely implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

In light of the new geopolitical realities, it is in our mutual interest to strengthen our cooperation in a structured manner, in particular on foreign, security, defence and trade matters. We commend the UK’s vital contribution to shaping a strong and unified European response to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The UK’s active engagement has been significant, and we encourage both the EU and its member states to build on this positive momentum to strengthen our collective response.

The EU and the UK should rise to the occasion and ensure an agreement on a defence and security partnership, one that fosters deeper cooperation on intelligence sharing, sanctions coordination, and information exchange on foreign information manipulation and interference. They should lay the groundwork for appropriate UK involvement in wider European efforts to strengthen resilience — through joint work on strategic projects, replenishing key capacities, and reducing critical dependencies across sectors vital to Europe’s security and stability. In parallel, both sides should also step up cooperation on combatting cross-border crime, including migrant smuggling, which poses shared challenges to public safety. Such an agreement would serve as a cornerstone for enhancing the security and resilience of our continent.

To the benefit of both parties, the EU and the UK should also enhance cooperation as regards people-to-people contacts via a youth opportunity scheme, governance of AI, climate and energy policies, for instance by linking their respective emission trading schemes and deepening renewable energy co-operation in the North Sea.

We also see substantial strategic potential in pursuing a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement, deepening regulatory and customs cooperation, and reducing trade barriers, particularly for SMEs, while ensuring a balanced and equitable arrangement on fisheries.

By working closely together, the EU and the UK can play a leading role in securing a more peaceful and prosperous future for Europe and beyond. The first UK-EU Summit offers a great opportunity to translate ideas into action. Together, we are greater than the sum of our parts. The current geopolitical moment requires all of us to prioritise the resolution of those issues affecting the foundation of our democracies, prosperity and welfare. This spirit should also facilitate the resolution of other issues in the future.”

David McAllister (EPP, Germany), Chairman of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee and Co-Chair of the UKCG, said:

"The absence of formalised EU-UK security cooperation is increasingly untenable as we face threats to our freedom, our democracy and the rules-based international order. Our close cooperation in support of Ukraine as well as the UK’s re-entry into the PESCO military mobility project highlights the potential of deeper collaboration. With transatlantic tensions growing, strengthening Europe's security capabilities — while maintaining a strong NATO alliance — will be vital. The UK, as a key European security actor, must be an integral part of this effort. The upcoming summit provides the ideal setting to make meaningful progress on this issue."

Bernd Lange (S&D, Germany), Chairman of the European Parliament's International Trade Committee and Co-Chair of the UKCG, said:

“It is about time to put some concrete lyrics to the melody of reset we have been happy to hear since the new UK government has been in place. So let us use the summit to establish a clear road map for areas like defence, energy and youth mobility in which we could - on the basis of the TCA - further strengthen our cooperation. Furthermore, let us not forget to use the potential of the TCA to its full extent. There is also still room for improvement to ease the issues in our trade relations. Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, we will always maintain a special relationship. The summit should be the starting point for a new era.”

Sandro Gozi (Renew Europe, France), Chairman of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly and Co-Chair of the UKCG, said:

“Ahead of the UK-EU Summit, we welcome a strategic defence partnership as a key step in deepening security ties between long-standing allies. While security remains essential, we also highlight the need to advance cooperation on trade, youth opportunities, and climate and energy policy. These areas offer real benefits for our communities and economies. In doing so, we recall that the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement remain the cornerstones of the EU-UK relationship and reaffirm the need for their full and timely implementation. As we strengthen our cooperation, active parliamentary engagement will be vital to keeping these efforts grounded in the concerns and aspirations of citizens.”

Thijs Reuten (S&D, the Netherlands), Standing Rapporteur on UK relations in the Foreign Affairs Committee, said:

"We must face geopolitical challenges with allies who stand close to us. The UK is one such ally — playing a pivotal role in Europe’s united support for Ukraine. As the EU advances its defence ambitions, this momentum should lead to a lasting EU-UK defence and security partnership, with the UK involved in strengthening Europe’s resilience and deterrence. The Summit is the perfect moment to launch this partnership."

Nina Carberry (EPP, Ireland), Standing Rapporteur on UK relations in the International Trade Committee, said:

"While Brexit changed the dynamics, the EU remains the UK’s largest trading partner. The TCA is the most ambitious free trade agreement the EU has concluded with any third country, but there is scope to deepen strategic cooperation, with agreements on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, emissions trading links, youth mobility, and mutual recognition of professional qualifications all on the table. The mood music is positive. I can only hope the summit delivers concrete, actionable outcomes."