In defiance of Trump, UK, EU to sign ‘free and open trade’ declaration
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Britain and the EU commit to a new strategic partnership centered on free trade, pushing back against Trump’s tariff agenda ahead of a key May 19 summit.
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Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference at Downing Street, London, April 11, 2025 (AP)
Britain and the European Union are poised to sign a formal declaration affirming their shared commitment to “free and open trade,” in what is widely interpreted as a direct challenge to US President Donald Trump’s increasingly protectionist trade stance and proposed tariff hikes.
A leaked draft of the agreement, obtained by POLITICO, outlines plans for a “new strategic partnership” between London and Brussels that centers on “maintaining global economic stability and our mutual commitment to free and open trade.” The document emphasizes a cooperative economic vision that contrasts with the unilateral tariff policies currently being advanced by the Trump administration.
The timing of this agreement is particularly significant, as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government is concurrently engaged in sensitive trade negotiations with Trump's White House.
British officials are pushing for an exemption from new US tariffs that threaten British exporters and jobs, warning layoffs could begin by summer without relief from the 10% general tariff and 25% duties on steel, aluminum, and cars.
Dated April 25, the draft UK-EU trade agreement is just one of several under development in preparation for a pivotal summit scheduled for May 19. The summit is expected to mark a turning point in efforts to reset and rebuild relations between Britain and the EU following years of post-Brexit friction.
In parallel, UK and EU officials are working on additional bilateral accords covering areas such as defense cooperation, energy security, fishing rights, and a “common understanding” to define the scope of deeper post-Brexit negotiations set to unfold throughout the year. Some of these talks also include proposals for easing border checks on agri-food products and advancing mutual recognition of regulatory standards.
EU ambassadors are scheduled to meet in Brussels on Wednesday to assess the current status of the negotiations.
Commitments to Kiev, Gaza
The leaked draft also covers the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in the Middle East, and irregular migration.
Both parties pledge their “unwavering commitment to providing political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic” support for Kiev and also assert their “commitment to securing a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and [a] surge in humanitarian aid.”
Meeting with Prime Minister Mustafa today, we agreed that the UK would continue to work closely with the Palestinian Authority and support it to deliver the reform it needs.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) April 28, 2025
We also reiterated the need for a two-state solution that delivers a lasting peace and security for both… pic.twitter.com/xjMPPWjADV
According to the Shropshire Star, Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK Conservative Party, has indicated a willingness to reconsider the UK's membership in the ECHR as part of a new approach to immigration. In a speech delivered in Westminster, she stated, "We will review every policy, treaty and part of our legal framework, including the ECHR and the Human Rights Act."
Renewed commitments to multilateralism
The draft declaration between Britain and the European Union reaffirms their commitment to multilateralism, including support for the United Nations Charter, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and other international agreements.
London and Brussels also reiterate their shared “commitment to international development,” emphasizing its role as a cornerstone of their partnership, a notable stance given the recent UK cuts to foreign aid as it prioritizes boosting defense spending and meeting fiscal targets.
Last week, The Times reported that Starmer is nearing a breakthrough in securing a UK-EU defense trade deal, which would allow British arms companies to access the EU's €150 billion defense fund. The agreement follows significant UK fishing rights concessions.
The May 19 summit, hosted by the UK, marks a key step in Starmer’s push to reset EU relations after years of turbulence under Conservative leadership.
