INTERNATIONAL LAW Reversing BREXIT
INTERNATIONAL LAW Reversing BREXIT

Summary/Abstract: The new British Government assumed power in July 2024 with a commitment to reset the UK's ties with the EU. The EU-UK summit of May 2025 appeared to signal the beginning of a new chapter in these relations.However, the question remains: is the reset sufficient? The stipulations set forth such as no reversion to the customs union, the single market, or freedom of movement—restrict the potential of the reset. Some of the UK’s initial goals have seen progress under this initiative, although not all have been realized. The summit in May 2025 yielded a 'Common Understanding' that enumerates 20 collaboration areas, along with numerous additional related issues. Some subjects, like aligning on international development aid and health security, which seemed relatively straightforward, have proven to be difficult to navigate. In various sectors, however, discussions have stagnated. The Security and Defence Partnership (SDP) was intended to pave the way for the UK to negotiate a distinct agreement with the EU, allowing British companies to have a significant role in defense procurement initiatives connected to the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program. While this might favor certain individual defense firms based in the EU, it could undermine the overall European defense framework. Some members within the EU appear to be reconsidering the decision to exclude the UK from the program. A review of the execution of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA) is due this year, alongside the possibility of another EU-UK summit.

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