A Reset in Progress: Insights from Brussels on the Future of UK–EU Relations

On 2 June 2025, leading voices from business, academia, civil society and politics gathered in Brussels to reflect on the UK–EU Summit and explore the future of UK–EU relations. Hosted by the Independent Commission on UK-EU Relations, the Aston Centre for Europe and the Aston Centre for Business Prosperity, the day’s discussions revealed cautious optimism—tempered by realism about the challenges ahead.

A More Constructive Political Climate

Participants welcomed the improved tone in UK–EU relations. The May Summit introduced annual bilateral meetings and regular sectoral dialogues, a shift that many saw as restoring badly needed structure and predictability to the relationship. This “pragmatic turn” was widely seen as beneficial, particularly given shared geopolitical and economic pressures—from war in Ukraine to US protectionism.

But despite the warmer tone, there was concern about a lack of strategic vision. As one speaker put it, current efforts still amount to “managing friction rather than building a future.” The sense was that while tactical fixes are useful, both sides need to articulate longer-term goals—be it cooperation on competitiveness, climate transition or global influence.

Trade: Progress, But Gaps Remain

There was broad support for the new UK–EU veterinary deal, which should ease trade in food and agricultural goods. This is particularly welcome given the post-Brexit collapse in UK food exports to the EU, down nearly 20% in value. The commitment to negotiate a youth mobility scheme also signalled a willingness to remove some of the most politically and economically damaging barriers.

However, business representatives made clear that this was far from enough. For many firms, complexity remains high, and sector-specific bottlenecks persist. Speakers argued for action on mutual recognition of professional qualifications, digital trade frameworks and alignment on standards. A recurring message was that the government’s desire for sovereignty must be balanced with economic realism.

Defence and Geopolitics: A Missed Opportunity?

A new UK–EU defence cooperation framework was cautiously welcomed, but many saw it as too modest. The agreement opens the door for UK engagement with the EU’s new SAFE defence fund—but only partially, and without full funding access.

More importantly, there was a missed chance to tie defence cooperation to broader foreign policy and development goals. Panellists warned that if the UK focuses solely on hard power, it will neglect the role of diplomacy, aid and climate policy in achieving security. The EU and UK Government were urged to adopt a more ambitious approach.

Creative Industries and Mobility: Frustrations Linger

The creative sector remain frustrated by ongoing barriers to movement and collaboration. For industries where access, relationships and physical presence are everything, the TCA still places the UK at a disadvantage. Panellists called for “sectoral realism”—a willingness to tailor mobility and recognition rules to the needs of sectors like design, architecture and performance.

Some speakers highlighted the slow erosion of the UK’s soft power. Where once UK artists, academics and entrepreneurs were embedded across Europe, many now report being edged out by more mobile EU counterparts. This, they warned, is a long-term threat to the UK’s global cultural and economic reach.

What Next? Five Priorities

Across all three events, several cross-cutting messages emerged about what should come next:

1.     Clarity of Vision: Both UK and EU leaders need to define the long-term purpose of the relationship, not just fix frictions as they arise.

2.     Sectoral Fixes: Targeted agreements—in services, mobility, data and energy—can unlock growth without revisiting the TCA wholesale.

3.     Business Dialogue: Firms want to be part of shaping future agreements. The UK Government must build formal mechanisms for consultation.

4.     People-to-People Links: Restoring mobility for young people, creatives, and professionals would rebuild the connective tissue of the relationship.

5.     A Shared Global Role: On climate, aid, migration and geopolitics, the UK and EU should explore joint initiatives that go beyond the bilateral.

Conclusion: A Reset, But Not Yet a Renewal

The UK–EU Summit was a step forward, and the Brussels roundtables reflected real momentum for a deeper reset. But participants were clear: the job is far from done. Without greater ambition, the UK risks being a passive neighbour, not a proactive partner.