The current state of UK-EU relations post-Brexit.

The relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union has entered a new phase, moving decisively away from the period of perpetual political friction that immediately followed Brexit. This shift, often described as a “relationship reset,” is driven by a shared recognition of geopolitical realities, particularly the security challenges posed by the war in Ukraine, and the desire of the new UK government to forge a more constructive, functional partnership.

While the fundamentals of the divorce—no return to the Single Market or Customs Union—remain firmly in place, 2025 has been marked by tangible progress in security, trade de-escalation, and technical cooperation.

I. The Political and Strategic Reset

Following the change of government in the UK, a deliberate effort has been made to stabilize the relationship and build mutual trust. This culminated in a significant UK-EU Summit in May 2025, which produced a set of agreements known as the “Common Understanding.”

Key Outcomes of the Reset:

• Security and Defence Partnership: The most ambitious area of new cooperation is a formal UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership. Recognizing the UK’s vital military capabilities and the shared threat environment, this partnership aims to facilitate closer operational coordination. It is set to cover areas like tackling hybrid threats, mobility of military assets, support for Ukraine, and potentially the UK’s involvement in the EU’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence financing initiative.
• Annual High-Level Summits: An annual summit is now envisaged to oversee the implementation of existing agreements and drive progress in new areas. This regular, high-level engagement is crucial for moving the relationship from one of “managed separation” to one of “functional alignment.”
• Focus on Global Challenges: Both sides recognize that working together is essential to tackle issues like climate change, energy security, and international development, leading to a commitment to establish regular dialogue in these areas.

II. Trade and the Northern Ireland Protocol

While the wider trade relationship under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) remains challenging due to new customs checks and regulatory divergence, the major flashpoint has been substantially defused.

1. The Windsor Framework Implementation

The Windsor Framework, agreed upon in 2023, has finally been fully implemented as of May 2025. This deal successfully created a new set of arrangements for goods moving from Great Britain (GB) to Northern Ireland (NI), notably through the “Green Lane” and “Red Lane” system.

• Impact: The new arrangements aim to eliminate many physical checks and burdensome paperwork for goods staying in NI (Green Lane), effectively smoothing the flow of trade within the UK internal market. However, initial reports indicate that many small- and medium-sized GB businesses still face a learning curve and some administrative friction when trading with NI.
• Guiding Principle: The Framework is pivotal because it respects the EU’s need to protect the integrity of its Single Market while simultaneously safeguarding the UK’s internal market and the unique position of Northern Ireland .

2. Easing Agricultural Trade Friction (SPS Checks)

A major win from the 2025 Common Understanding was an agreement designed to reduce the friction of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) checks on agrifood products. The goal is to allow UK agrifood products to be exported to the EU without the same level of burdensome inspections, a move projected to significantly boost annual trade and potentially lower food prices. This is a clear example of targeted technical alignment where both sides see a mutual economic benefit.

III. Areas of Continued Friction and Future Review

Despite the positive reset, fundamental disagreements and structural challenges persist, which will be tested in the coming years.

The current state of UK-EU relations is one of pragmatic partnership. The acrimony of the early post-Brexit years has been largely supplanted by a sober recognition of shared interests, particularly in security and managing the costs of separation. The full implementation of the Windsor Framework and the new Security and Defence Partnership represent clear milestones.

However, the deep-seated economic costs of non-tariff barriers and regulatory divergence will continue to constrain the relationship. The 2026 TCA review will serve as the next significant political juncture, determining whether this constructive phase can evolve into a truly mature and streamlined long-term partnership.