UK-EU summit delayed, sparking concern over bilateral relations

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
9 Sep 2024 02:45

Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen's meeting regarding student exchange programs between the bloc and the United Kingdom has been delayed once again, reflecting broader concerns.

Listen

Britain's Prime Minster Keir Starmer departs 10 Downing Street to go to the House of Commons for his weekly Prime Minister's Questions in London, Wednesday, September 4, 2024. (AP)

Keir Starmer's awaited summit with the European Commission has been postponed amid the latter's disappointment and concern over the UK's continued caution regarding the reinstallment of intercontinental student exchange programs.

According to The Guardian, Starmer was set to meet Ursula von der Leyen by the second week of September. However, sources revealed that the meeting may not be scheduled till late October.

EU diplomats expressed "dismay" in some circles over the UK government's lack of enthusiasm toward youth and student programs, suggesting that hesitancy on such straightforward issues raises doubts about broader efforts to reset the UK-EU relationship.

Sources in Brussels speculated that Starmer may be acting with excessive caution due to concerns that pro-Brexit critics might accuse him of attempting to reverse Brexit if he appeared too eager to reintroduce the schemes.

Meanwhile, others noted that the EU was drawing its own boundaries, indicating that a deal to simplify travel for musicians and artists seemed unlikely.

The meeting between Starmer and von der Leyen was initially set for July 25 before scheduling conflicts caused the first delay till late August or early September.

On EU-UK relations

The Guardian also noted that new efforts to reset relations between the EU and the UK would likely begin in full by spring, with the possibility of an EU-UK summit early next year to kickstart the process.

EU insiders indicated they are not worried about the delay, as von der Leyen is currently focused on establishing her new team of EU commissioners. She is expected to name her new commissioners on Wednesday, but their appointments will need to be approved by the European Parliament, a process that could take over a month.

In July, UK Labour leader Keir Starmer announced that the UK will not rejoin the EU, the single market, or the customs union as long as he is prime minister, in one of his strongest promises to date, meaning that he won't be pursuing any tight ties with Europe.

Starmer, when asked about the UK returning to the EU or the market, said, “No. I don’t think that that is going to happen. I’ve been really clear about not rejoining the EU, the single market or the customs union – or [allowing a] return to freedom of movement.”