Brussels – London and Brussels are coming closer than they have in a long time as they face the common threat to the continent’s security, the tariff war, and climate change. After the increasing talks between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Presidents of the Commission and the European Council, Ursula Von Der Leyen and Antonio Costa, it is now the turn of the European Parliament and Westminster to intensify the dialogue and collaboration. Today (March 18) saw the conclusion of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly (PPA) meeting. The forum, composed of delegations from the two parliaments, meets periodically to discuss the development and implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which since 2021 has been the compass of political and trade relations between the two sides of the Channel.
The two delegations, which met for the first time since last summer’s EU and UK parliamentary elections, said they were ready to “fully deepen constructive relations based on shared values, mutual trust,” and, above all, “a whole host of issues of common interest.” The parliamentarians acknowledged and welcomed the efforts of the two governments to develop ties at a time of significant geopolitical challenge and adopted a series of recommendations “noting where the two sides are working well together, stressing both sides’ commitment to supporting Ukraine in its efforts against Russia’s unwarranted war of aggression and highlighting areas where further efforts should be made.”
The assembly discussed several areas of cooperation. Security and defense were the focus of the debate, including combating disinformation in areas such as the Western Balkans, Moldova, and Ukraine, as well as the future of Anglo-European collaboration in foreign policy. The PPA discussed the possibility of providing new opportunities for young people, collaborating further on achieving energy autonomy (with joint programs for renewable energy in the North Sea, for example), and increasing support for international development – essential after the suspension of US aid. Immigration, sanctions, and mobility will be discussed at future meetings, while there were informal discussions on artificial intelligence, financial services regulation, and combating climate change. The meeting produced a set of recommendations that the delegations will present to their respective executives at the upcoming UK-EU Summit scheduled for May 19.
The heads of delegations expressed great satisfaction and gratitude for the efforts undertaken, emphasizing the relaxed atmosphere and understanding that characterized the forum. “It was very constructive,” said Sandro Gozi, French deputy and co-chair on behalf of the EU: “the atmosphere has certainly improved. We need to exploit the potential of the existing treaties and create foundations for common trust, which is essential to deepen and develop our partnership in new fields.” “It is like turning the page on a more positive and robust dialogue between our two nations. There is strong consensus on support for President Zelensky, and we have recognized some of the challenges around energy security and climate, as well as other issues,” said British delegation head Marsha de Cordova. The Labor MP then concluded her remarks with a quip directed at Gozi of the Mouvement Démocrate: “I appreciated the hospitality of my co-chair or, as I call him, my new centrist friend.”
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
