FT: UK disappointed by EU move to push back crucial July summit

The United Kingdom has expressed disappointment over the European Union’s decision to postpone a key summit on future UK-EU relations following Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement that he will step down, Financial Times (FT) reports.

According to the report, European Council President António Costa informed British officials that the summit, originally scheduled for July 22, would be delayed until Starmer’s successor takes office.

The move reportedly caught London off guard and generated frustration among officials involved in the negotiations. One source told FT that the British side was “not particularly pleased” with the decision and had not expected the meeting to be postponed.

Costa said the EU preferred to wait until a new British prime minister is in place before holding the talks.

“My wish is ⁠that [Starmer’s] successor ​will give ​continuity on ​this path to ​reset ‌our relationship ​with ​the UK,” the European Council president noted.

Brussels is seeking to build future engagement with the UK under its next government, the newspaper reported. Discussions between the two sides have focused on a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation in the post-Brexit era, including efforts to reduce trade barriers, expand youth mobility programs, and address arrangements for students from EU member states studying at British universities.

The summit is expected to play an important role in shaping the next phase of relations between the UK and the EU as both sides explore opportunities for closer cooperation following years of post-Brexit adjustments.

By Vafa Guliyeva