UK and EU Face Surprising Twists Before Historic Post-Brexit Summit

The United Kingdom and the European Union are gearing up for their first bilateral summit since Brexit, scheduled to take place in London. This event symbolizes a significant transition from previous tensions to a collaborative stance on pressing global issues such as the war in Ukraine and geopolitical strains involving Russia and China.

Key Issues on the Agenda

Several critical topics are at the forefront of negotiations:

• Trade Barriers: The UK intends to lessen trade obstacles sector by sector, particularly focusing on plant and animal products by introducing a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement. This agreement would require the UK to adhere to future EU regulations and accept the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, a point likely to cause concern among some Brexit advocates.
• Fishing Rights: Access and rights remain contentious, with France advocating for strong protections for its fishing industry.
• EU Defence Contracts: The UK is interested in accessing EU defence procurement contracts, but certain EU member states wish to restrict non-EU involvement to protect and promote their domestic industries.
• Mobility Schemes: The UK government seeks a new scheme to simplify visa requirements for UK professionals working in the EU, while the EU desires a youth travel and work program in the UK to facilitate mobility.

Complex Defence Discussions

Defence cooperation talks remain intricate. Germany emphasizes the importance of strengthening UK-EU defence ties, citing the need for unity amid current geopolitical challenges. Nevertheless, some EU nations prefer limiting the UK’s participation in EU arms contracts to preserve their national industries.

Stay tuned to Questiqa Europe News for the most recent updates on this evolving story.

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