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Negotiations between the UK and the European Union for a security pact have hit a significant roadblock as France and other member states insist on linking the agreement to fishing rights and youth mobility schemes. The developments have emerged just as Sir Keir Starmer prepares for a historic meeting with EU leaders in Brussels.
British efforts to establish a bilateral security and defence partnership with the European Commission have encountered mounting resistance from EU capitals. Member states are steadfast in their position that any security arrangement must be part of a broader package of agreements, according to officials from both sides.
A senior UK government source revealed that recent weeks have shown the impossibility of progress without preliminary guarantees on fishing and mobility matters. The situation has reverted to the familiar Brexit-era stance of “nothing agreed until everything is agreed.”
The impasse comes at a crucial time, with Starmer scheduled to attend a European Council meeting on 3 February – marking the first time a British prime minister has met with all EU leaders since Brexit. The UK’s initial strategy aimed to secure a non-binding security partnership, similar to arrangements the EU maintains with nations like Norway and South Korea.
The French-led opposition within the EU insists that Britain must guarantee continued access to fishing waters beyond the current agreement’s expiration in June 2026. Brussels has emphasised that any renewed relationship with London must prioritise fishing rights, viewing it as a crucial test of British commitment to meaningful cooperation.
Labour’s promise to “tear down barriers” to European trade faces significant challenges, despite setting clear boundaries against rejoining the single market or customs union. The party’s stance against a youth mobility scheme, which Brussels considers vital for any reset, further complicates the negotiation landscape.
The Cabinet Office has maintained its diplomatic stance, declining to provide ongoing commentary about reset talks while acknowledging shared security challenges between the UK and EU. This diplomatic deadlock underscores the complex interplay between security cooperation and broader economic interests in post-Brexit relations.
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