A new strategic partnership between the UK and the EU was sealed today in London at the first EU-UK summit. A 24-point joint statement sets out the key themes of the agreement, which is based on “shared values and commitment to deeper cooperation against the backdrop of an evolving and complex global geopolitical landscape”. The new cooperation builds on the “stable foundation for our relationship set by the Withdrawal Agreement” and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement drafted at the time of Brexit. People and citizens’ needs are “at the centre of our relationship” together with the strengthening of our economies, with a focus on protecting our planet and its resources and on internal security, through judicial cooperation and the fight against irregular migration. As a matter of fact, an EU-UK Security and Defence Partnership has also been signed alongside the strategic partnership.

The cornerstones for such relationship include adherence to the rules-based international order, commitment to multilateralism, and the recognition of the central role of the UN, on the one hand, and of the World Trade Organisation, on the other. Both the EU and the UK recognise the importance of transatlantic cooperation in addressing global challenges, fostering economic growth and ensuring peace and security. NATO also remains a cornerstone alongside the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights.