Overview

• Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen met in Brussels to discuss resetting UK-EU relations and agreed to work at pace on economic and security cooperation.
• Both leaders emphasized the importance of pragmatic and sensible leadership to make Brexit work and address shared challenges like irregular migration and climate change.
• The UK ruled out rejoining the single market, customs union, or freedom of movement, but aims to reduce trade barriers and improve mutual recognition of professional qualifications.
• Discussions included a potential foreign policy and security pact, with a focus on tackling illegal migration and supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.
• Brussels pushed for a youth mobility scheme, which London has resisted, but analysts suggest a limited exchange program might be negotiated to boost economic growth.