Bloomberg UK Politics

Giving EU Another Chance? How Donald Trump Has Changed Post Brexit Calculations

Apr 11, 2025
Ellen Milligan, a UK government reporter at Bloomberg, joins to delve into the shifting dynamics in UK-EU relations influenced by Donald Trump's policies. They discuss the optimism surrounding a potential deal to reset post-Brexit ties, emphasizing calls for cooperation amid the Ukraine conflict. The conversation navigates the complexities of trade negotiations and how various European nations' priorities are evolving. Additionally, they explore the implications of these developments on travel and security in Europe, highlighting NATO's role in these changing circumstances.
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INSIGHT

How Trump's Policies Are Resetting UK-EU Relations Post-Brexit

The UK aims to reset its post-Brexit relationship with the EU through a May summit focusing on defence, security, and trade.

Keir Starmer's government seeks deals on joint military procurement, intelligence sharing, and easing border checks on food and drink. This is driven by the recognition that both the UK and EU want to reduce reliance on the US amid its security pullback, notably under President Trump.

Trump's tariffs and tougher stance on the EU have ironically pushed the UK and EU closer together, with EU leaders showing newfound urgency for cooperation. However, tensions remain over issues like fishing rights, with France potentially leveraging defence talks to secure better terms.

Starmer insists the UK doesn't have to choose between the EU and the US, even as the US delays trade agreements and pulls back militarily in Europe.

This evolving geopolitical landscape makes the May summit critical for repairing trust and establishing new EU-UK agreements before looming deadlines in 2026.

INSIGHT

Starmer's Reset Ambition

  • Keir Starmer aims to reset UK-EU relations with practical deals on defense, security, and trade by an upcoming summit.
  • Restoring trust is key after years of Brexit-related distrust between the UK and EU.
INSIGHT

EU's New Urgency for UK Ties

  • EU leaders now show renewed interest in UK defense cooperation due to reduced US involvement in Europe.
  • There's a mutual urgency to strengthen European security cooperation with the UK.
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