Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, has called for a strategic reset in relations between the European Union and the United Kingdom, arguing that a decade after Brexit, the focus should shift from past divisions to pragmatic cooperation.
Addressing the EU–UK Forum, Metsola said the evolving geopolitical landscape has reinforced the need for a strong and constructive partnership, with both sides now showing renewed willingness to rebuild ties. She credited UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for reintroducing EU relations into domestic political debate, describing it as a necessary and politically demanding step that should be seized as a strategic opportunity.
Metsola stressed that discussions must move beyond ideological debates over EU membership and instead focus on practical, deliverable outcomes. She rejected comparisons to models such as Norway or Switzerland, arguing that the UK requires a bespoke framework reflecting its unique position as a former EU member.
Security and defence cooperation remains central, particularly through NATO and joint support for Ukraine. She described the EU–UK Security and Defence Partnership as a foundation for deeper collaboration in areas such as cyber security and joint procurement.
At the same time, Metsola prioritised measures with tangible impact on citizens and businesses. She welcomed the UK’s return to Erasmus+ as a practical step forward, while warning that regulatory complexity post-Brexit continues to hinder investment and economic activity.
She pointed to targeted agreements—such as on sanitary and phytosanitary standards, energy cooperation, and carbon market alignment—as necessary to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Concluding, Metsola argued that both sides must adopt a forward-looking, results-driven approach, grounded in cooperation and shared strategic interests.
Photo: Keynote address by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola at the 2026 EU–UK Annual Forum. Source : EP
