The future of EU-UK relations, with a focus on closer cooperation in defence, security, energy and migration, was discussed at the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Tuesday, ahead of the second EU-UK summit on November 20 in Brussels.
According to a Parliament briefing, the summit will review progress since the first meeting in London in 2025 and discuss further cooperation on trade, agricultural and food standards, climate policy, people-to-people contacts and law enforcement.
European Council President Antonio Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will host UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, seeking to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two sides.
During the debate, Irish MEP Nina Carberry of the European People’s Party (EPP) highlighted the benefits of closer agri-food trade and energy cooperation, while fellow Irish MEP Aodhán Ó Ríordáin of the Socialists and Democrats (S and D) stressed youth opportunities and the importance of safeguarding the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland.
Renew Europe’s Sandro Gozi described Brexit as a “disaster”, calling for fewer trade barriers and closer ties, while Greens co-chair Terry Reintke highlighted its economic and political consequences.
Jadwiga Wisniewska of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) prioritised defence, agricultural safeguards and youth mobility, while Kathleen Funchion of The Left called for protecting the rights of Irish citizens in Northern Ireland.
Matthieu Valet of Patriots for Europe urged tighter migration controls, particularly across the English Channel, while Alexander Jungbluth of Europe of Sovereign Nations defended Brexit as a democratic choice and opposed a return to EU membership.
Geadi raises issue of British Bases in Cyprus
Cypriot MEP Geadis Geadi said stronger EU-UK relations required respect for member states’ sovereignty, human rights and the EU acquis.
He expressed concern over uncontrolled migration, demographic changes and restrictions on freedom of expression, including on social media.
Referring to Cyprus, Geadi described the British Sovereign Base Areas as a “relic of colonialism”, arguing that they prevented the Republic of Cyprus from exercising sovereignty over European territory.
He cited the International Court of Justice’s February 2019 advisory opinion, UN General Assembly resolutions and a July 2018 UK Supreme Court ruling.
“The Commission must be clear,” he said, arguing that any future UK return to the EU should require full respect for sovereignty and the withdrawal of British military bases from European territory.