The UK joined the European Economic Community – which would later become the European Union (EU) – in 1973. The UK formally left the EU on 31 January 2020.

​​​​​​​The relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom has evolved significantly since Brexit. Following the 2024 UK general election, the new government called for a ‘reset’ in relations with the EU, launching a renewed agenda of structured political cooperation across shared priorities.

The European Parliament closely follows the implementation of the agreements with the UK.

EU - United Kingdom

MEPs and UK MPs met&nbsp;in Brussels on 3 and 4 July for the third EU-United Kingdom Parliamentary Partnership Assembly to discuss, among other issues, the state of play within the Partnership Council, EU-UK common efforts to support Ukraine, and cooperation on trade and industrial policy - including responses to the US Inflation Reduction Act.&nbsp;

EU-UK relations are changed&nbsp;following Brexit and the deal reached at the end of 2020. The United Kingdom (UK) left the European Union (EU) on 31 January 2020, after 47 years of EU membership. The UK has lost all the rights and benefits it had as an EU Member State and is no longer a part of the EU’s Single Market and Customs Union.

The EU-UK withdrawal agreement in force since 1 February 2020, ensured that the UK’s withdrawal from the EU happened in an orderly manner, and protects the rights of EU citizens and UK nationals, the EU’s financial interests, and peace and stability on the island of Ireland.

The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the UK sets out preferential arrangements in areas such as trade in goods and in services, digital trade, intellectual property, public procurement, aviation and road transport, energy, fisheries, social security coordination, law enforcement and judicial cooperation in criminal matters, thematic cooperation and participation in Union programmes.&nbsp; In April 2021 the European Parliament voted with a large majority in favour of granting also its consent to the agreement.

EU - UK relations

On 29 March 2017, Theresa MAY, British Prime Minister, triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.

The right of a Member State to withdraw from the European Union was introduced for the first time with the Lisbon Treaty; the possibility of withdrawal was highly controversial before that. The Article 50 provides for the negotiation of a withdrawal agreement between the EU and the withdrawing state, defining in particular the latter's future relationship with the Union. If no agreement is concluded within two years, that state's membership ends automatically, unless the European Council and the Member State concerned decide jointly to extend this period.

See also our previous package on <a href="https://multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/brexit-8th-parliamentary-term_1603_pk">Brexit</a>.

Brexit

On 29 March 2017, Theresa MAY, British Prime Minister, triggered Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.

The right of a Member State to withdraw from the European Union was introduced for the first time with the Lisbon Treaty; the possibility of withdrawal was highly controversial before that. The Article 50 provides for the negotiation of a withdrawal agreement between the EU and the withdrawing state, defining in particular the latter's future relationship with the Union. If no agreement is concluded within two years, that state's membership ends automatically, unless the European Council and the Member State concerned decide jointly to extend this period.

Brexit - 8th Parliamentary term

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to London (United Kingdom). On Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 February 2026 Metsola is in the British capital for a series of institutional meetings with the highest representatives of the UK Parliament and Government. On this occasion, she gives a keynote speech at the Chatham House 2026 Security and Defence Conference.

Official visit of Roberta METSOLA, EP President, London (UK)

MEPs, together with Commission and Council representatives, debate the preparations for the first EU-UK summit on British soil since Brexit.

EU and UK leaders will meet in London on 19 May for the first institutional bilateral gathering in Britain since the UK left the EU in 2020. Among other topics, they will discuss defence cooperation, opportunities for young people, and trade issues – the latter in the wake of the new US tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on trade partners. 

In particular, this includes a potential EU-UK security pact that could see the UK participate in the EU’s joint arms procurement scheme. Leaders will review the possibility of a youth mobility scheme to facilitate freedom of movement for young people aged 18-30, as well as efforts to eliminate sanitary and phytosanitary checks (SPS) on certain products that are exported from the UK to the EU, in particular those entering Northern Ireland from Great Britain.

Preparation of EU-UK summit

Keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at EU/UK annual forum 2026

7th EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly - Doorstep

7th EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly

Roberta METSOLA, EP President meets with Nick THOMAS-SYMONDS, British Minister for the constitution and European Union relations

Official Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to London (United Kingdom) - Keynote speech at Chatham House Security & Defence Conference 2026

Official Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to London (United Kingdom) - Meeting with Sir Keir STARMER, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Official Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to London (United Kingdom) - Meeting with David LAMMY, Lord Chancellor, Secretary of State for Justice and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Official Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to London (United Kingdom) - Participation in a Roundtable Meeting with Key Office Holders at the House of Commons

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament is giving a speech at the EU / UK Forum which addresses the evolving dynamics of EU-UK relations in a period marked by improved dialogue and cooperation. It also focused on issues such as the development of diplomatic and trade relations, boosting Europe’s economy and competitiveness and the growing importance of security and defence cooperation.This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President at the EU / UK Forum 2026

Sandro GOZI (Renew, FR) and Marsha DE CORDOVA, Co-Chairs of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, hold a press conference in the framework of the Assembly meeting. This transcription is the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Press point by Sandro GOZI (Renew, FR) and Marsha DE CORDOVA, Co-Chairs of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly

During her official visit to London (United Kingdom), Roberta METSOLA, EP President, participates to the London Chatham House Security & Defence Conference 2026. She has a discussion with the anchor Bronwen Maddox and has a Q&A session with the press.

Discussion with Bronwen Maddox and Q&As with the audience at Chatham House Security & Defence Conference 2026

EP President Roberta METSOLA delivers a speech at Chatham House Security & Defence Conference 2026 during her official visit to London (United Kingdom). This transcription if the result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Keynote speech by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, at Chatham House Security & Defence Conference 2026

This News item presents extracts from the meeting between EP President Roberta METSOLA and Sir Lindsay HOYLE. it shows President’s Remarks & Attendance at the Lunchtime reception hosted by The Rt. Hon. Sir Lindsay HOYLE, Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom.

Official Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to London (United Kingdom): participation in the lunchtime reception hosted by Sir Lindsay HOYLE, Speaker of the House of Commons of the UK: extracts from the opening remarks

This News item presents extracts from the meeting between EP President Roberta METSOLA and Sir Lindsay HOYLE, Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom.

Official Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to London (United Kingdom) - meeting with Sir Lindsay HOYLE, Speaker of the House of Commons of the UK: Arrival and roundtable

This News item presents extracts from the meeting between EP President Roberta METSOLA and David LAMMY, Lord Chancellor, Secretary of State for Justice and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Official Visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President to London (United Kingdom): meeting with David LAMMY, Lord Chancellor, Secretary of State for Justice and Deputy Prime Minister of the UK: extracts from the meeting

During her official visit to Ottawa for the G7 Speakers’ Meeting, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola held a bilateral meeting with Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the UK House of Commons. The gathering of parliamentary leaders, launched in 2001, provides a forum to strengthen democratic dialogue and share perspectives on global challenges among the Speakers of the G7, the European Parliament, and Ukraine as an observer.

Official visit by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, to Ottawa (Canada) - G7 Speakers' meeting: meeting with Lindsay HOYLE, Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom

EU - United Kingdom (T)

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