European Leaders’ Summit: EU-UK relations and Russian sanction evasion
Leaders from 45 European nations gather to discuss a range of issues from energy to Russia’s war in Ukraine. But experts predict that the summit might be limited in its format and outcomes, despite its noble intentions.
The official agenda for the summit in England on Thursday includes migration, security, and energy cooperation. However, EU-UK relations, the war in Ukraine, and the upcoming US elections are likely to dominate the discussions. Blenheim Palace, near Oxford, will hold this international meeting. It will mark the fourth summit of the European Political Community (EPC).
Launched in 2022, the EPC has yet to produce tangible results. And this summit is not expected to change that trend. The forum aims to provide leaders with the opportunity to discuss pressing generational issues facing Europe, as per a statement from the UK Foreign Office.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s role
One of the biggest beneficiaries of this summit appears to be UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Organized by his predecessor, Rishi Sunak, the gathering will be Starmer’s second major international engagement since his recent election to Downing Street. This follows his trip to Washington last week for a NATO summit.
The UK government aims to use the summit to discuss closer collaboration on tackling illegal immigration. They also want to enhance security cooperation with European counterparts, to ensure Britain’s safety.
Starmer led the Labour party to a landslide victory on July 4. Unofficially, he is eager to use the summit to reset relations with the European Union. He would also want to have advanced talks on a defense pact between the two sides. “It is a good opportunity to start changing the UK-EU relationship,” said Iain Begg, a professorial research fellow at the London School of Economics, emphasizing a shift towards more constructive engagement.
Attendance and expectations
All 27 EU leaders are expected to attend, along with European Council President Charles Michel. However, Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, will miss the summit to be in Strasbourg for a crucial European Parliament vote regarding her potential second term as head of the bloc’s executive.
As European leaders convene to tackle critical issues, the summit at Blenheim Palace is set to highlight the importance of EU-UK relations and the ongoing challenges posed by Russia’s actions in Ukraine. While the official agenda covers migration, security, and energy cooperation, the underlying focus will likely be on fostering closer ties and addressing shared concerns among European nations.
