Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declared that Britain will be at the "heart of Europe" as he confirmed a key summit with European Union leaders in Brussels. The second EU-UK summit is scheduled for July 22, part of the Labour government's effort to reset relations with the bloc a decade after the Brexit referendum.
The announcement comes as Starmer faces political uncertainty at home, with potential challenges to his leadership of the Labour Party. He met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, where the date was confirmed.
Starmer stated: "My Labour Government is delivering on our promise to reset our relationship and put Britain at the heart of Europe. Together we will tackle the cost of living, boost jobs, and create opportunities for young people."
A youth mobility deal is expected to be agreed at the summit, allowing British and EU citizens under 30 to live, work, and study in each other's countries. However, negotiations have faced hurdles, including disagreements over tuition fees for EU students in England, UK demands for a cap on participant numbers, and uncertainty about visa issuance for British youths by European nations.
Starmer also met European Council President Antonio Costa at the G7. Costa remarked: "Close EU–UK cooperation is essential for our shared European security, resilience, and prosperity. We are working closely together to make our upcoming second summit in Brussels on 22 July a success."
