UK, EU agree on post-Brexit deal: Trade, defence reset

Britain and the European Union have struck the most significant reset in relations since Brexit, agreeing to a sweeping package of measures that ease trade barriers and foster defence collaboration.

The agreement, finalised after overnight negotiations, is set to be signed in London on May 19 by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and top EU officials, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

“It’s time to look forward — to move on from the stale old political fights and to find common sense, practical solutions that improve the lives of British people,” Starmer wrote on X. 

At the heart of the deal is a new defence and security pact, allowing the UK to participate in joint European procurement projects. This opens the door for major British defence firms, including BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and Babcock, to potentially contribute to the EU’s €150 billion rearmament programme—though additional agreements will be needed for full participation.

On trade, the agreement removes key barriers that have hampered the export of British food products to the EU, especially for small producers. In exchange, the UK has agreed to extend reciprocal fishing rights for 12 years, giving EU vessels continued access to British waters—an issue likely to stir political backlash at home.

The UK should also gain faster access to EU airport e-gates, easing travel for British citizens, while in return, it has agreed to outline a limited youth mobility scheme and is in talks to rejoin the Erasmus+ student exchange programme.

"Mostly we are focusing on the defence and security partnership, because, you know, we are living in a very turbulent times," Kaja Kallas, the European Commission's High Representative for Foreign Affairs commented. 

While the agreement offers potential economic benefits, it comes with political risks. Critics, including Brexit figurehead Nigel Farage and the Conservative Party, have labelled the deal a “surrender summit,” particularly objecting to concessions on fishing and regulatory oversight.

In Brussels, EU diplomats confirmed that all 27 member states have received the agreement text and are in the process of formal approval. 

“From my understanding, all member states seem to be happy with what’s put on the table,” one EU diplomat said.

By Sabina Mammadli