Britain and the European Union outlined a wide-ranging agreement Monday to reset ties on trade, defense, and border controls, in the most comprehensive realignment since Brexit.
The deal, signed by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and top EU officials in London, includes measures for defense collaboration, easing food and pet border checks, fisheries access, and ongoing talks on youth mobility and education programs.
Under the agreement, British defense firms may access a €150 billion EU fund, pending a future financial contribution from London. UK representatives will also be allowed to join some EU military meetings and missions.
On trade, both sides agreed to cut checks on food, animals, and plants, allowing the UK to resume sales of goods like sausages and shellfish in the EU. In return, Britain committed to aligning dynamically with EU health standards, with some opt-outs.
Fisheries access for EU vessels in British waters will be extended until 2038. In Scotland, the deal drew criticism from fishing groups, while France welcomed the terms.
Both sides also pledged to continue work on improving border crossings and to explore a balanced youth mobility scheme, though no deal was reached on rejoining Erasmus+.
