Nearly ten years after the United Kingdom voted to exit the European Union under Brexit, and following changes in its relationship with the U.S. during President Donald Trump’s term, Britain and the EU have significantly strengthened their trade and defense collaboration as of Monday.
Marking the largest agreement between the bloc and the U.K. since the contentious Brexit referendum in 2016, both economic giants have pledged to enhance defense cooperation and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. This will facilitate easier access for U.K. food and travelers to the continent and grant EU vessels fishing rights near Britain’s shores.
The accords have been labeled as a “reset” and have been praised by U.K. Prime Minister Kier Starmer, a former Brexit opponent, and by the EU’s Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who stated, “In these times of global uncertainty and with our continent facing its greatest threat in generations, unity in Europe is essential.”
A Fox News graphic that depicts how countries have responded to President Donald Trump’s tariffs. (Fox News / MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Trump’s hardline push for increased NATO defense spending, along with his sharp break from the Biden administration on Ukraine aid, left European allies scrambling after his inauguration.
While the Trump administration has seemingly improved ties with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump’s refusal to outright condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin has resulted in stronger ties between top nations like the U.K., France and Germany, as well as within the EU bloc.
At the heart of the new defense agreement is the U.K.’s ability to access an EU defense loan program worth roughly $170 billion, expanding joint defense procurement opportunities.
From left to right, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrive to put flowers on memorial of fallen Ukrainian soldiers at Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Ukrainian first lady Olena Zelenska is seen behind, second right. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)
“Britain is back on the world stage,” Starmer said. “This deal is a win-win.”
Far-right conservatives in the UK like Nigel Farage, an ardent proponent of BREXIT, have condemned the recently announced deal.
The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s questions.
Reuters contributed to this report.
