EU leaders have called for a “reset” of post-Brexit relations and pushed for further development of ties with the UK, hoping to build on momentum from the Windsor Framework agreement and cooperation over the war in Ukraine.
In a Guardian article to mark Europe Day yesterday (8 May), ambassadors and high commissioners from all 27 EU states wrote:
“Rediscovery of common interests and concerns have thus led to the Windsor Framework and to a much welcome and necessary regain in trust in EU–UK relations.
“The task ahead is therefore to build on this reengagement and to develop further the ties between the EU and the UK.
“A strong UK and a strong EU are valuable partners.”
Ukraine lead
Future security and foreign policy arrangements could be high on the list of priorities for new partnership discussions after European diplomats praised the role that the UK has played in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
The EU’s new ambassador to the UK, Pedro Serrano, said the country deserved “special mention” for defending “international legality and providing determined support to Ukraine”, reports Politico.
A new deal on science and satellite communications is also possible, with talks reopening on the UK’s participation in the EU’s €95.5bn Horizon Europe science and research programme, according to the Guardian.
NI boost
The Windsor Framework has also been credited with boosting economic performance in Northern Ireland – which is second only to London among UK regions leading economic growth over the last quarter, according to PwC’s latest UK Economic Outlook.
PwC estimates economic growth of 0.6% in the region over the three months to February, reports the Belfast Telegraph.
Greg Boyd, economist at PwC Northern Ireland, said: “The potential increased certainty following the Windsor Framework is also expected to help future growth in Northern Ireland.”
Cleverly in US
Meanwhile, foreign secretary James Cleverly has travelled to Washington for meetings with the Biden administration and Congress representatives about sustaining UK-US support for Ukraine.
Cleverly said: “Whether it’s standing up for our friends in Ukraine, or promoting transatlantic prosperity through our $1tn investment relationship, the UK-US relationship continues to make life better for our people and the world.”
Today, he is expected to meet both US secretary of state Anthony Blinken and both Democrat and Republican members of Congress.
Sky reports that the visit is primarily focused on maintaining support for Ukraine, but will also focus on the US-UK economic relationship.