After years of deterioration, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is determined to reset the relationship between Britain and the EU.
UK to Implement Existing Agreement
However, Brussels warned the UK to implement the existing agreements related to Brexit before the EU considers resetting its relationship.
Brussels Wants Agreements Fulfilled
Brussels has mentioned that the rights of EU citizens should be fully protected as per the Brexit agreement and that the Northern Ireland Protocol, which addresses the trade and border issues between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, should be enforced.
“Test of Good Faith”
EU diplomats told the Financial Times that adhering to these two specific measures would be seen as a “test of good faith” for their new relationship.
Mending Ties With Brussels a Top Priority
Since coming into office, the PM has prioritised rebuilding ties with Brussels to mend years of mistrust since Brexit.
Sniff of Regret Looms as UK Patches up EU Ties
Starmer recently hosted leaders at a major summit in Blenheim Palace, stipulating that the UK would be a “friend and a partner ready to work with you” and “not part of the European Union , but very much part of Europe.”
EU Are ‘Open Minded’
EU members are “open-minded” about the future relationship between the UK and Germany and are enthusiastic about the possibility of a youth mobility deal.
European Commission Welcomes New Approach
The European Commission has also welcomed Sir Keir Starmer’s new positive approach. Still, it has issued a list of so-called tests through which the UK can “demonstrate real government commitment” to its withdrawal agreement with the EU.
Pending EU-UK Agreement
There have also been talks about an EU-UK agreement that could address more straightforward issues that can be resolved quickly and agreements that would allow qualifications to be recognised in the EU and the UK.
Leaked Document Lists Eight Demands
The Financial Times reported on a leaked document listing eight demands expected from the new Labour government.
Past Wounds Still Hurt
The document, written by the European Commission, reflects the severe remnants left by the previous governments’ handling of the EU.
Demands Will Show Good Faith Towards Relationship With the EU
The demands must be met to convey the government’s commitment to a good-faith reset of the relationship with the EU.
Applications for EU Citizens Living in the UK Simplified
The list also indicates the need for a High Court ruling that EU citizens in Britain should not have to make separate applications for settled status after living in the UK for five years, to be applied.
Check List of Things the UK Needs to Implement Urgently
It also mentioned that the UK is not properly certifying plant and animal products and that vets at the borders should reject shipments that don’t meet the standard.
Systems That Need to Be Re-Implemented
In addition, a system to check pets at the border and to speed up a new data system to provide information about package contents must be urgently implemented.
PM Has Refused to Consider the Young Peoples Mobility Deal
Thus far, the PM has refused to consider an agreement with the EU that would enable young people to live, study and work across the UK and vice versa.
Top Deals Include the Mobility Deal, Access to Fishing Waters and the Erasmus Programme
However, sources have told the Financial Times that these deals are a major priority for the EU, as is gaining access to British fishing waters and having the UK rejoin the Erasmus student exchange programme.
Cabinet Makes No Comment
Since the list was leaked, the Cabinet has refused to comment on the document but intends to implement the Withdrawl Agreement.
New Government Is Committed to Resetting Relationship With the EU
A spokesperson for the Cabinet Office said, “Since taking office this government has been working to reset the relationship with our European friends, to strengthen ties, secure a broad-based security pact and tackle barriers to trade.”
Starmers Needs to Reach Agreements
Starmer has faced many issues despite only being in office for a few weeks, but the EU wants solidified agreements and solutions to move forward and reset.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Alexandros Michailidis.