EU and UK Ink Post-Brexit Deal on Security, Fisheries, and Energy

The European Union and the United Kingdom have agreed on a new defense and security pact as part of a comprehensive reset of their relations after years of Brexit tensions(Post-Brexit deal). The pact formalizes cooperation on matters such as hybrid warfare, cybersecurity, and maritime safety. According to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the agreement marks a significant step forward in EU-UK relations.

The deal also includes a 12-year extension of generous fishing rights for EU fleets in British waters, until 2038, following intensive lobbying from France. This major concession is part of a broader agreement that covers energy, agrifood rules, climate, migration, and policing. On defense, the deal opens the way for the UK to participate in joint EU procurement programs, although further negotiations are required for the UK to access the EU’s €150 billion SAFE rearmament program.

The two sides have agreed on a “common understanding” of topics they want to improve ties on in the coming months, including energy, where the UK will effectively rejoin the single market for electricity and follow EU regulations. This move could spark controversy among Eurosceptics in London. Negotiations on sanitary and phytosanitary rules are expected to reduce red tape at Channel ports and the Northern Ireland border.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and EU High Representative Kaja Kallas will hold a dialogue once per semester, in addition to regular exchanges on Russia-Ukraine, hybrid threats, and Western Balkans. EU and UK leaders are set to finalize the agreement during the London summit. Rachel Reeves, the UK’s top finance minister, hailed the deal, saying it’s about bringing “more good jobs,” reducing prices, and strengthening defense ties.

However, not everyone is pleased. Nigel Farage’s Eurosceptic Reform UK party is criticizing the deal, while Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch warned that “12 years access to British waters is three times longer than the [government] wanted. We’re becoming a rule-taker from Brussels once again.” The agreement marks a significant development in EU-UK relations, with implications for trade, security, and cooperation in the coming years.