Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to hold a second summit between the United Kingdom and the European Union. The meeting will focus primarily on deepening economic cooperation as well as security matters.
Speaking at a press conference, Starmer stressed that the new summit would not simply be a recap of agreements reached at the first meeting in May 2025. “We want to be more ambitious,” the Prime Minister said. “Closer economic cooperation, closer security cooperation, a partnership that recognises our shared values, shared interests and shared future.”
According to the British Prime Minister, the decision to hold a second summit — expected in the summer of 2026 — is largely driven by the current geopolitical situation, including the conflict in the Middle East and the need to strengthen ties with European partners against the backdrop of shifting relations with the United States. Starmer noted that the UK’s long-term national interests require a closer partnership with the EU across the areas of economy, defence, energy and climate policy.
The first UK–EU summit was held in London in May 2025 and resulted in several agreements on fisheries, trade, defence and energy. The new summit is expected to advance the post-Brexit “reset” of relations further, including the possible continuation of regulatory alignment and the strengthening of economic ties.
The venue and exact date of the summit have yet to be announced, with official confirmation expected in the coming weeks. Brussels and European capitals have already responded positively to London’s initiative, highlighting the importance of deeper engagement in the face of global challenges.
The announcement marks yet another sign of the gradual rapprochement between the UK and the EU following several years of strained relations in the wake of the country’s departure from the bloc.