19.05.2025 20:12
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa reached an agreement on access to the EU's 150 billion euro defense credit program at the United Kingdom-European Union (EU) Summit held in London.
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the European Council Antonio Costa reached an agreement on access to the EU's €150 billion defense credit program at the UK-European Union (EU) Summit held in London.
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and President of the European Council Antonio Costa held the UK-European Union (EU) Summit in London.
"A NEW SECURITY PARTNERSHIP WILL BE ESTABLISHED"
The EU and the UK agreed on new agreements in the areas of fishing, energy, youth mobility, and defense. According to the agreement, a new defense and security partnership will be established between the United Kingdom and the EU. Additionally, the United Kingdom will gain access to the EU's €150 billion defense credit program. Some controls on animal and plant products will be lifted, and the agreement allowing EU fishing vessels to fish in UK waters will be extended for 12 years.
"THESE AGREEMENTS ARE NOT JUST WORDS ON PAPER"
Speaking at the press conference following the meeting, Costa described the agreements reached today as "a new chapter in our relations." Costa stated, "These agreements are not just words on paper. They reflect our shared commitments to security, prosperity, development, and serving the people on both shores."
Stating that the world is becoming increasingly unstable, Costa said, "Deeper cooperation among like-minded partners is not a luxury but a necessity. We are neighbors, allies, partners, and friends," he added.
"THE EU AND THE UNITED KINGDOM ARE PROVIDERS OF GLOBAL STABILITY"
Noting that the rules-based international order is under attack, European Council President Costa said, "Multilateralism is being tested, and the EU and the United Kingdom are providers of global stability. We must be the guardians of the rules-based global order. In defense, our new partnership will bring deeper cooperation. It will strengthen Europe's contribution to NATO and sharpen our focus on common strategic priorities," he stated.
Costa expressed that both the EU and the United Kingdom share the same commitment to economic stability in trade, saying, "Both sides believe in free, fair, sustainable, and open trade. This is the engine of prosperity for our citizens and the global economy." The European Council President noted that the EU and the United Kingdom are close to an agreement regarding Gibraltar.
STATEMENT FROM VON DER LEYEN
Following Costa at the press conference, European Commission President von der Leyen stated, "We are opening a new chapter, starting a new section in our unique relationship."
Speaking about defense coordination, Leyen said, "This will, of course, create new opportunities for our defense industries. It will also open up the option of providing stronger and more coordinated support to Ukraine." Emphasizing that the agreements made with UK Prime Minister Starmer are "historic," Leyen stated, "This will make a real difference for people in the United Kingdom and across the union."
"IN THE PAST, IT WOULD HAVE TAKEN MUCH LONGER TO REACH THIS AGREEMENT"
In the final part of the press conference, UK Prime Minister Starmer noted that the agreement with the EU was reached quickly, stating, "We were able to reach an agreement on such a wide range of issues within six months. In the past, it would have taken much longer to reach any part of this agreement; I truly believe that," he said.
"THIS AGREEMENT PROVIDES US WITH UNPRECEDENTED ACCESS TO THE EU MARKET"
In his opening remarks, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated, "Britain is back on the world stage. This is the first summit between the United Kingdom and the EU. It marks the beginning of a new era in our relations, and this agreement is a win-win outcome for everyone. This agreement provides us with unprecedented access to the EU market," he said.
Responding to a question about whether this agreement is a betrayal of Brexit, Starmer said, "This agreement is good for Britain. It is highly ambitious and broad in scope. Today, we have secured a very, very good agreement for our country. I have listened to the voices of businesses across the country that say this decision is a good step forward. Not just the voices of those who say what they will achieve but achieve very little," he stated.
"THIS IS REALLY SERIOUS, UNACCEPTABLE, AND INTOLERABLE SITUATION"
Addressing the issue of fishing, Starmer said, "It is important to remember regarding fishing: Next year, under the old regulations, EU fishing would not completely end in our waters. Instead, there was a system negotiated year by year, which meant no stability for anyone," he stated.
UK Prime Minister Starmer mentioned, "In the last two weeks, we have signed trade agreements with India and the USA," he said.
Commenting on the situation in the Gaza Strip, Starmer stated, "This is really serious, unacceptable, and intolerable situation. That is why we are working intensively with other leaders on how to respond."