Ukraine, Middle East and migration at centre of Macron-Starmer dialogue

Brussels – France and the United Kingdom together to celebrate the armistice of World War I. Along with the historic celebration, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are taking the opportunity to discuss geopolitics and cooperation.

The two leaders met today (Nov. 11) to commemorate the signing of the Compiagne Armistice, a French national holiday and an occasion to celebrate war veterans. Given the climate of international tension, the occasion left room for discussions by the leaders of the two countries regarding the continuation of mutual collaboration, the conflict in Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, not neglecting migration.

After the informal European Council meetings in Budapest, President Macron recalled the importance of affirming “the interests and responsibilities of Europeans in terms of security and defence.” In this regard, the relevance of cooperation between the EU and the UK was reiterated. On this, Downing Street head met in October with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who reaffirmed that “The common vision of the EU and the UK makes it possible to strengthen bilateral relations.”

Starmer is working hard to reduce the post-Brexit distance from the EU, so much so that summit meetings with Brussels have also been scheduled for 2025. For the next year, the British prime minister also committed to holding bilateral meetings with Paris, considering “the UK’s intention to reset its relationship with the EU and Europe in general.” The need to coordinate also in extra-European issues did not go unnoticed. Regarding Russian aggression against Ukraine, the intent to “coordinate closely” was renewed. Firm support for Ukraine “relentlessly and for as long as necessary”. British commitment to support Ukraine was also restated, which Starmer had reaffirmed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the European Political Community summit in Budapest.

Defense Secretary John Healey denied on BBC radio rumours of London’s disengagement.

It seemed that the United Kingdom had no intention to grant long-range weapons, and “relations had deteriorated.” Healey dispelled any doubts: “We are spending more on military aid to Ukraine than has ever been done by the British government.” Likewise, he reaffirmed that the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence itself has confidence that “Britain continues to stand firmly behind their country.”

Healey is also confident about maintaining U.S. support, which he expects to “remain steadfast” in its support for Ukraine and also stable for NATO, but this will have to be confirmed with the next steps of the Trump second term.

On the Middle East, last July’s position was reaffirmed, which revolves around the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, along with the release of all hostages, unimpeded access to humanitarian aid, respect for international law, and progress toward the establishment of a Palestinian state. The two leaders took stock of the escalation in the area and stressed the need for coordinated efforts with regional and international partners to work together.

The last major issue is migration. Both countries have acknowledged the need to cooperate regarding migration flows in the Channel, which, although diminished (Frontex through October recorded 47,514 crossings) still cause problems for the authorities of the two countries. Not to be forgotten is September’s shipwreck, an episode that made explicit, albeit tragically, the need for joint work between France and the UK. The need to dismantle human trafficking networks to limit irregular crossings was also reiterated.

Entent cordiel 2.0 the one between France and the United Kingdom. In addition to issues of geopolitics and the ones to be solved collaboratively, they agreed to intensify cooperation concerning ocean and biodiversity protection, artificial intelligence, and with regard to climate targets, on which the two strait-neighbours maintain very aligned positions (and it suits both to shake hands).