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“脱欧”后首次峰会 英欧能否重置关系
Xin Hua She·2025-05-20 10:48

Core Points - The meeting between UK Prime Minister Starmer and EU leaders on May 19 resulted in a security and defense agreement, along with consensus in fisheries and trade, signaling a potential "reset" of UK-EU relations post-Brexit [1][2] - This summit marks the first UK-EU meeting since the UK's formal exit from the EU in 2020, with analysts suggesting that both parties aim to protect their interests amid a shifting geopolitical landscape [1][3] Agreements Reached - A security and defense agreement was established, allowing the UK to participate in a €150 billion EU defense procurement program, marking a new beginning for UK-EU defense cooperation [2] - A plant and animal health agreement was reached to simplify UK food exports to the EU, enabling products like hamburgers and sausages to re-enter the EU market [2] - A new 12-year fisheries agreement was signed, ensuring UK fishing vessels can access EU waters while maintaining existing EU fishing quotas in UK waters, with the UK government investing £360 million in modernization [2] - Both parties agreed to align their carbon trading systems and initiate a "Youth Mobility Scheme" to facilitate movement and cooperation in combating illegal immigration [2] Challenges and Criticism - Despite the agreements, there are concerns regarding the specifics of defense cooperation, with some analysts viewing the agreement as a formalization of existing mechanisms rather than a strategic shift [3] - The fisheries agreement has faced domestic criticism in the UK, with some viewing it as a concession that undermines UK fishing interests, leading to accusations of betrayal from opposition parties [4] - Analysts note that while the summit produced positive signals for closer relations, significant challenges remain, particularly in unresolved issues related to trade and immigration, with ongoing negotiations necessary to solidify the outcomes [6][8]