EU WILL NOT ALLOW ISSUE OF FISHING RIGHTS TO DERAIL SECURITY AND DEFENCE AGREEMENT WITH UK

EU will not allow issue of fishing rights to derail security and defence agreement with UK.  The European Union will not allow the issue of fishing rights to derail a security and defence agreement with the UK, according to the president of the European Council.

António Costa, who became president of the European Council in December, reassured UK officials frustrated by the EU’s insistence on linking fishing rights with a potential security deal. His remarks come as a boost for Keir Starmer. Costa emphasised that the EU sought:

“The closest relation possible” with the UK.”

When asked if fishing rights would obstruct a security pact, he stated:

“No, these are different things. European defence and fisheries cannot be put on the same level. We should apply common sense to what we are talking about.”

Costa made these comments after Starmer presented his ideas for an EU-UK security pact during a dinner with EU leaders, marking the first time a British prime minister had attended a European Council meeting since Brexit. Costa described the gathering as “a very important moment,” with leaders expressing a shared desire to strengthen cooperation on security and defence.

Alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Costa will visit the UK for an EU-UK summit on May 19. The meeting is expected to pave the way for negotiations across various areas, though the specific outcomes remain uncertain.

For the EU, the key concern is the post-Brexit fisheries agreement, which expires in June 2026. EU member states are keen to preserve the status quo, while the UK prime minister faces pressure to secure larger quotas for British fishing fleets. Diplomatic sources suggest that a majority of member states favour a “package approach,” linking the EU-UK reset on various topics, including security, fishing rights, and youth mobility.

Costa, however, struck a more conciliatory tone, saying:

“What is important now is to acknowledge the UK’s desire to reset relations with the European Union and our wish to have the closest possible relationship, especially on security and defence.” He emphasised the need to implement existing agreements, resolve issues, and prevent new problems from arising.

Senior EU diplomats regard UK relations as the easier part of Monday’s summit, which also covered discussions on how to manage a US president who has expressed hostility toward the EU, as well as debates on funding European defence projects through common debt.

The European Commission has indicated the EU will need €500bn (£418bn) for additional defence investments over the next decade.

On the topic of common debt for defence funding, Costa said no solutions could be ruled out. He described the summit as “not the moment to draw red lines,” but rather “a brainstorming” opportunity to “open green lanes” for discussion.