Resetting the UK-EU Relationship: Alinea Customs discuss the 19th May Summit

Introduction 

On 19 May 2025, the United Kingdom will host a pivotal summit with the European Union, marking a significant step in resetting post-Brexit relations. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will welcome European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa to London for an inaugural UK–EU summit. This meeting aims to foster closer cooperation, particularly in trade, security, and regulatory alignment, reflecting a pragmatic shift in UK foreign policy. 

Objectives of the Summit 

The summit’s primary goal is to establish a framework for enhanced collaboration between the UK and the EU. Key areas of focus include: 

• Trade Facilitation: Addressing non-tariff barriers to streamline the movement of goods. 
• Security and Defence: Exploring avenues for joint initiatives and intelligence sharing. 
• Regulatory Alignment: Discussing mutual recognition of standards to ease compliance burdens. 

This approach underscores the UK’s intent to move beyond past divisions and work collaboratively with the EU on shared interests. 

Trade and Customs: Streamlining Border Checks 

A central topic of discussion will be the implementation of measures to minimize border checks, thereby reducing friction in UK–EU trade. Two significant initiatives are under consideration: 

1. Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement 

The UK government is advocating for an SPS agreement with the EU to facilitate the trade of agri-food products. Such an agreement would aim to: 

• Reduce Border Delays: By aligning health and safety standards, inspections at borders could be minimized. 
• Support Exporters: Simplified procedures would benefit UK exporters facing stringent EU import requirements. 

This initiative reflects the UK’s commitment to maintaining high standards while promoting efficient trade practices. 

2. Mutual Recognition of Rules of Origin 

Discussions are also expected to cover the mutual recognition of rules of origin, which determine the economic nationality of goods. Achieving consensus in this area would: 

• Simplify Compliance: Businesses would benefit from reduced documentation requirements. 
• Enhance Trade Efficiency: Streamlined processes would facilitate smoother cross-border transactions. 

Such mutual recognition would be instrumental in mitigating the complexities introduced by Brexit. 

Impact of Border Checks: Insights from Recent Research 

Recent research commissioned by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) highlights the challenges businesses face due to border checks. Key findings include: 

• Operational Delays: Businesses report significant delays in the movement of goods, affecting supply chains. 
• Increased Costs: Compliance with new border procedures has led to higher administrative and logistical expenses. 
• Resource Strain: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly burdened by the need to adapt to complex regulations. 

These insights underscore the urgency of implementing measures to alleviate the impact of border checks on UK businesses. 

Political Context and Strategic Considerations 

Prime Minister Starmer’s administration is pursuing a strategy of pragmatic engagement with the EU, emphasising cooperation over confrontation. While ruling out re-joining the single market or customs union, the UK aims to:

• Enhance Economic Ties: By reducing trade barriers and fostering regulatory cooperation.
• Strengthen Security Partnerships: Through joint initiatives and information sharing. 
• Promote Mobility: Exploring agreements to facilitate the movement of professionals and students. 

This balanced approach seeks to maximize the benefits of collaboration while respecting the outcomes of the Brexit referendum. 

Conclusion 

The 19 May 2025 summit represents a critical juncture in UK–EU relations. By focusing on practical solutions to trade and regulatory challenges, both parties have the opportunity to forge a more cooperative and mutually beneficial partnership. The outcomes of this summit will be closely watched by businesses and policymakers alike, as they navigate the evolving landscape of post-Brexit Europe. 

Further Reading 

This report is based on information available as of 13 May 2025. For further details, please refer to the following sources:

• Resetting the UK’s relationship with the European Union
• Research exploring the impact of border checks

Contact Us 

At Alinea Customs, we’re committed to helping businesses navigate the evolving UK–EU trade landscape with clarity and confidence.  

Please contact us with any questions you may have about how the UK–EU 2025 summit may affect your trade operations, customs procedures, or product origin documentation. Our team at Alinea Customs is here to support you with expert guidance tailored to your business needs.