AIRSPEED READ - Impact of the inaugural UK / EU summit on aviation
On the 19 May 2025, the UK and European Union (the "EU") held their first summit since the UK withdrew from the EU on 31 January 2020. The inaugural summit was a welcome step towards closer collaboration between the nations, and was described by Ursula Von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, as "a historic moment … opening a new chapter in our unique relationship".
The leaders of the UK and the EU agreed a new Strategic Partnership, which builds upon the existing Withdrawal Agreement1, Trade and Cooperation Agreement (the "TCA"), and the Windsor Framework.2 which is intended to further secure the parameters for their ongoing relations. The agreement provided specific areas for joint commitments that the UK and EU will collaborate on going forward. The Strategic Partnership marks a reset of the UK's relationship with the EU and sets out a renewed agenda, common understandings and a roadmap between the UK and EU on areas including security, defence, development and strengthening of economics, the environment, judicial cooperation, and movement of people.
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1 Agreement on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and European Atomic Energy Community
2 The Windsor Political Declaration by the European Commission and the Government of the United Kingdom (dated 27 February 2023)
