The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen has called the “historic” EU – UK summit a success.
President von der Leyen met with British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer in London today (May 19) for the first EU – UK summit since the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
The commission president believes that the EU and the UK are “opening a new chapter in a unique relationship” with the summit.
According to president von der Leyen, a decision has been made to facilitate trade flows of agri-food products between the EU and the UK.
She said: “It means more certainty and more stability for our farmers, food producers and fishermen and fisherwomen on both sides of the channel. Safer food, with greater trust from consumers.
“Together with the Windsor Framework, this will bring additional benefits for Northern Ireland. It will further ease the movement of agri-food goods between Britain and Northern Ireland.”
“Northern Ireland will continue to enjoy dual access to both the EU single market and the UK internal market,” von der Leyen added.
According to President von der Leyen, an agreement has also been agreed on fisheries, which allows reciprocal access to waters until 2038.
She said: “This is so important for long-term stability and predictability. And we have agreed to preserve the historic tariff-free trade in steel products. Steel is a vital sector for both of our industries. So, this decision is great news.”
EU – UK summit
The commission has also agreed to “explore” the particpation of the UK in the EU’s electricity market.
President von der Leyen believes that it would be beneficial for the stability of energy flows, and for energy security.
She said: “We know that a bigger market will also be good for lowering the energy prices and it will attract more private investment because of the regulatory stability and predictability.
“We need to tap into the vast potential that the North Sea offers, specifically for renewable, cheap and homegrown energy.”
“In addition, we are both committed to leading by example on the path to net zero. And that is why we have also agreed to work towards linking our emission trading system. A larger integrated system is a big step forward in decarbonisation and creates a level playing-field,” von der Leyen explained.
