British PM Starmer to host EU leaders in first post-Brexit summit to strengthen UK-EU ties

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels, October 2024. Keir Starmer will host EU leaders in May for a summit aimed at strengthening UK-EU ties.

Keir Starmer will host EU leaders in May for a landmark summit aimed at strengthening UK-EU ties and exploring new avenues for cooperation.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to welcome top European Union leaders to Britain in May for the first in a series of annual summits aimed at revitalising the UK's partnership with the bloc.

Downing Street confirmed on Tuesday that Starmer will host European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 19 May for high-level discussions on deepening cooperation and unlocking new opportunities for both sides.

"This first UK-EU summit is a fantastic opportunity to make real progress on issues that benefit people across the UK and Europe," a UK government spokesperson said. "It will strengthen the unique relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union."

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The announcement comes fresh off Starmer’s visit to Brussels, where he became the first UK prime minister since Brexit to attend a major gathering of all 27 EU leaders, signalling that the UK is ready for a new era of constructive and pragmatic collaboration.

Five years on, has Brexit put Britain at a disadvantage in EU talks?

No backtrack on Brexit

Determined to boost Britain's economic prospects, Starmer is eager to strike fresh agreements with the EU while maintaining key commitments.

However, he is keen to enhance the current Trade and Cooperation Agreement, set for renewal in 2026, with practical improvements.


Read more on RFI English

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