The call for closer cooperation between London and Brussels grew louder in recent days during Metsola's visit to London. While new travel rules come into effect and old tensions persist, the discussion about how far the United Kingdom should go in its relationship with the European Union is intensifying.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer previously spoke about closer alignment with the EU's internal market and intensified security cooperation. His recovery plan includes, among other things, a defense pact and a fishing agreement granting fishermen from EU countries twelve years of access to British waters.
Fishing remains a sensitive issue. Scottish fishermen warn that new agreements must not lead to a return to previous European policies. They insist on maintaining their own British regulations.
Promotion
At the same time, disagreements arise over joint European loans to establish a larger European arms industry, as well as import rules concerning the health of plants and animals. There is hope for a definitive agreement before a planned summit meeting in a few months.
The EU president emphasized that the European Union is changing and that bureaucracy is decreasing. She also pointed out to her English hosts the importance of economic growth, innovation, and trade. According to her, the EU remains the United Kingdom’s largest trading partner.
Within the United Kingdom, criticism is voiced against the rapprochement course of the Labour Party leader. Some fear that further cooperation amounts to a return to the EU. The prime minister holds firm to his red line: no return to the internal market, the customs union, or free movement of persons.
Meanwhile, travel rules between the EU and the UK are being tightened. Visitors from 85 countries must apply for an electronic visa in advance to travel to Great Britain. Without authorization, airlines can refuse them. Border controls have also been introduced on the European side for British travelers.