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Remarks by President António Costa at the joint press conference following the EU-UK summit in London

European Council / Council of the European Union

European Council
Statements and remarks
19 May 2025 14:15

Let me begin by thanking Prime Minister Keir Starmer for hosting us here in London for what has been a timely and truly productive summit.

A few months ago, Prime Minister, you spoke of your ambition to reset the relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Today, I am proud to say that we, together, have delivered on that ambition. You have succeeded. We have all succeeded.

The agreements we have reached today mark not just progress but a new chapter in the relationship between the UK and the EU. The start of a renewed and strengthened strategic partnership.

Over the past months, we have worked tirelessly to rebuild trust. As we discussed during my visit to Downing Street in December, in an increasingly volatile world, deeper collaboration between like-minded partners — natural allies like us — is not a luxury. It is a necessity.

Then, back in February, I invited you to join the EU27 leaders at a retreat in Brussels to discuss defence matters.

There, I felt a new, positive energy in our relationship. I saw the great potential of what we can accomplish together — to make real, tangible progress for the people of the EU and the UK.

Since then, we have worked hand in hand to support Ukraine, to increase pressure on Russia, to stabilise and strengthen the transatlantic partnership, and to uphold international law and defend the United Nations Charter amid growing security threats.

We have to be proud of the fruits of that collective effort:

• a joint statement on cooperation on global issues
• a security and defence partnership, and
• a common understanding and a renewed agenda for cooperation

These agreements represent more than just words on paper. They are a reflection of our shared commitments — to security, to prosperity, to development, and to the people we serve on both sides of the Channel.

Our relationship is grounded in shared values, mutual interests, and the simple fact of our geographical closeness.

We are neighbours, allies, partners. And we are friends.

Times are changing. The rules-based international order is under attack. Multilateralism is being tested. The EU and UK are providers of global stability. We must be guardians of the rules-based global order. Europe is facing the gravest security threat in decades, provoked by Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. But both the UK and the EU are united in one belief: we share a fundamental responsibility for the security of Europe.

That is why we are committed to continuing our efforts, together, to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine. A peace that guarantees Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. The ball is now in Russia's court. Together, we will intensify pressure on President Putin — including through a new package of sanctions — to bring him to the negotiating table. Russia must agree to an unconditional ceasefire. It must stop being a threat to Ukraine and to European security.

On defence, our new partnership will bring deeper cooperation. It will strengthen Europe's contribution to NATO. And it will sharpen our focus on common strategic priorities.

On trade, we are united in our commitment to economic stability. We both believe in free trade — fair, sustainable and open — as the engine of prosperity for our citizens and for the global economy.

On migration, we will work together to reduce irregular flows and to strengthen cooperation with countries of origin and transit.

And finally, today we also addressed the situation in the Middle East. In particular, we addressed the tragic humanitarian crisis in Gaza — a tragedy where international law is being systematically violated, and an entire population is being subjected to disproportionate military force. There must be safe, swift and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid. The remaining hostages must be unconditionally released. And a permanent ceasefire must be reached — now. Our discussion reaffirmed our shared conviction that lasting peace and security in the Middle East can only be achieved through the implementation of a two-state solution.

Prime Minister, dear Keir, your leadership has been instrumental in turning ambition into action. Today's agreements are a testament to your determination and to the new tone you have brought to our relationship.

The United Kingdom and the European Union are stronger when we stand together — for prosperity, for security and for peace in Europe and beyond. This is the message that underpins our renewed cooperation. This is the direction we are taking, together, after this successful summit, which will be just the first of many. Because as we have agreed today, from now on the European Union and the United Kingdom will meet every year. So, see you in Brussels!