Less than one year after his arrival at 10 Downing Street, which ended 14 years of Conservative government, Keir Starmer is realizing his ambition to "reset" relations with the EU. A self-professed pro-European and opponent of Brexit in 2016, he is surprising no one in his desire to rebuild ties. In July, barely two weeks after taking office, he set the tone by inviting 40 European leaders across the Channel.

A strategic shift

The May 19 summit marks a first since the UK's official exit from the EU. This rapprochement is no coincidence: weakened by growing economic challenges, both London and Brussels have every interest in closing ranks. Faced with common challenges such as support for Ukraine, the fight against illegal immigration, and the construction of an autonomous European defense, both partners are now seeking common ground.

Concrete agreements

A bilateral agreement was signed yesterday. The dispute over fishing in the English Channel has finally been settled. European fishermen will retain access to British waters until 2038, instead of 2026 as previously agreed. In exchange, the UK will align its health standards with those of the EU, thereby facilitating the export of its food products. The removal of most customs formalities on animal and plant products is a victory for the Labour government.

Another major breakthrough is a defense agreement with potential economic benefits for London. The UK could gain access to the future €150bn European program aimed at strengthening the EU's defense industrial base. However, this participation remains subject to a supplementary agreement and a British financial contribution, the details of which have yet to be defined.

Both sides have also agreed to cooperate on carbon emission quotas, allowing British companies to avoid the European carbon tax. Downing Street estimates that this could save the economy £9bn (approximately €10.7bn) by 2040.

Unstable balance

This pro-European shift is not without political risks for Starmer. As ties with Brussels grow closer, Brexiteers are grumbling. Reform UK, the successor to the Brexit Party, has only a few seats in Parliament but has scored well in local elections. Nigel Farage even overtook Starmer in popularity polls last October, before the latter made a slight comeback.

It is this domestic political pressure that is preventing Keir Starmer from implementing his agenda as he sees fit. For example, a possible return of the UK to the Erasmus program was on the agenda. The issue will be discussed further, as borders are a slippery subject in London.

There is also no question of giving ground on the common market and the customs union. We will settle for a normalization of relations.

He must also appease US President Donald Trump, with whom he dreams of concluding a major bilateral free trade agreement and who makes no secret of his hostility towards the European Union.

Gray areas

Not everything has been settled. The number of visas for young foreigners wishing to study or work in the United Kingdom remains unclear. Another promise that remains unfulfilled is the recognition of British professional qualifications in the EU, a key issue for companies wishing to carry out short-term assignments on the continent. At this stage, discussions have been referred to "dedicated dialogues."

Several benefits promised by the agreement may also require a "financial contribution" from the UK, particularly to ease controls on food exports. No figures have been released on this issue.

A risky gamble

Keir Starmer is treading on dangerous ground. He wants to boost British competitiveness while responding to an increasingly conservative electorate. Where Reform UK is playing the national pride card, Starmer is seeking to conclude trade agreements: after the US, the UK has moved closer to India, and negotiations have been initiated with six Gulf countries, according to Chancellor Rachel Reeves. He is cultivating his relationships with international leaders, notably Mark Carney, who said a few weeks ago: "We are both committed to strengthening trade, security, and economic relations between Canada and the UK."

However, criticism is pouring in. Richard Tice, vice president of Reform UK, accuses the government of "capitulating" to Brussels. The tone is the same on the Conservative side: "We are once again subject to the rules of Brussels," denounced Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative opposition.

Between economic ambitions, pressure from allies, and anger from Brexiteers, Keir Starmer is walking a tightrope. The thaw with the EU has begun, but consolidating it will be tricky.