Great Britain and the EU will hold a summit in Brussels / Leaders negotiate trade and security agreements

The United Kingdom and the European Union will hold their annual leaders’ summit on November 20 in Brussels, a meeting aimed at strengthening post-Brexit relations and finalizing several agreements currently under negotiation.

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed the date in the House of Commons and announced that London wants to conclude agreements on agri-food trade, emissions trading and a youth mobility scheme. He said that, after the summit, the British government should begin reviewing options for a closer relationship with the EU.

Options previously mentioned by Burnham include rejoining the single market, returning to the customs union or even joining the European Union. The prime minister warned that maintaining the current level of cooperation is not sufficient for the United Kingdom and said he would raise the issue of the “Made in Europe” protectionist program.

Conservative opposition leader Kemi Badenoch accused Burnham of changing his position and focusing excessively on relations with Brussels. She argued that the EU would not offer London a better deal.

European Council President António Costa said that improving cooperation is essential. Partnerships in defense, security, migration and law enforcement could be added to the summit agenda. The meeting will take place in the presence of Ursula von der Leyen. Negotiations began after the May 2025 summit, while the meeting initially scheduled for July was postponed following the collapse of the government led by Keir Starmer.