Communiqués

Brussels, 22 April 2026

We warmly welcome the signature of the agreement reassociating the United Kingdom to the Erasmus+ programme from 2027. This is a clear and positive step towards rebuilding practical cooperation and strengthening the human dimension of the EU-UK relationship. This outcome reflects a shared political commitment to place people-to-people exchanges at the heart of the partnership, building on the momentum created since the first EU-UK Summit. It also demonstrates that cooperation between the EU and the UK can deliver tangible, everyday benefits for citizens.

Erasmus+ remains one of Europe's most impactful programmes, creating opportunities for learning, mobility and exchange across borders. It supports students, apprentices, educators and organisations in developing skills, fostering innovation in education, and deepening partnerships between institutions. The UK's association will further enrich this programme.

The EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly has consistently supported this direction. In its November 2025 Recommendation on Security, Trade and Global Challenges, it welcomed the pursuit of UK association to Erasmus+ and called for broad, reciprocal and accessible exchange arrangements. More recently, in its March 2026 Recommendation on Strengthening the EU-UK Strategic Partnership, the Assembly welcomed the reassociation agreement for the 2027-2028 academic year and encouraged both sides to explore options for continued participation beyond. We reiterate that long-term perspective is essential to providing certainty and maximising impact.

This agreement is a strong signal of renewed trust and shared ambition. It shows that, through constructive engagement, the EU and the UK can move forward together in ways that make a real difference to people's lives.

Sandro GOZI

Chair of D-UK

Klára DOBREV

Vice-chair of D-UK

Mika AALTOLA

Vice-chair of D-UK

EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly Co-Chairs' statement on the agreement for UK participation in the Erasmus+ programme

17 December 2025

We welcome the agreement enabling the United Kingdom to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme from January 2027. This represents a significant and positive step in restoring practical cooperation between the EU and the UK, with clear and long-term benefits for young people, universities and communities.

The Parliamentary Partnership Assembly has consistently stressed that rebuilding people-to-people links should remain at the heart of the UK-EU relationship. Erasmus+ is one of Europe's most successful programmes in this regard, offering opportunities not only for university students but also for apprentices, trainees and those in vocational education. The reported intention to extend access beyond traditional academic pathways is particularly important and aligns with the Assembly's shared objective of promoting inclusive and accessible mobility.

The focus now turns to implementation. Universities, further education colleges and training providers on both sides will require clarity, stability and appropriate support to ensure that participation from 2027 onwards is smooth and accessible. The UK-EU PPA will continue to encourage deeper cooperation on youth mobility, education and research as part of the broader EU-UK reset.

This agreement demonstrates that, where there is political will, the EU and the UK can reach balanced solutions that respect domestic frameworks while delivering mutual benefit. The momentum created by the agreement on Erasmus+, together with the conclusion of exploratory talks on electricity, provides an opportunity to reinvigorate discussions and advance the next phase of EU-UK cooperation.

Marsha de Cordova

Member of Parliament for Battersea

Co-Chair of the UK-EU Parliamentary Partnership Assembly

Sandro Gozi

Member of the European Parliament

Co-Chair of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly

I welcome the announcement of enhanced UK-France collaboration on digital technologies, supercomputing and artificial intelligence.

In its latest recommendation, the Parliamentary Partnership Assembly asked both sides to address shared challenges such as the weakening of multilateral institutions and the governance of AI. The decision to deepen cooperation on critical technologies is a timely response, and is a first step toward broader EU-UK collaboration in the digital realm. Such an expansion of collaboration would reinforce the strategic partnership and maximise the potential of our universities, research institutions and innovation ecosystems.

President Macron's statement highlights why this matters: France and the UK are Europe's most advanced AI actors and, working together, they can help secure Europe's technological sovereignty and set global standards. This partnership is closely linked to cybersecurity and defence.

To turn political intent into impact, I urge relevant actors to develop a joint roadmap with milestones, budgets and shared governance, a standing EU-UK digital forum to bring together key actors, and clearly defined roles for universities, start-ups, industry and parliamentarians. The launch of the Imperial-CNRS engineering laboratory is an encouraging proof of concept; rapid pilot projects like this will demonstrate value and attract private investment.

This partnership must strengthen our capacity to counter disinformation, reduce technological dependency and compete globally. Europe must lead, not follow, on AI governance and innovation.

Sandro GOZI

D-UK Chair
EU Co-Chair of the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly

The Bureau of the Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly welcomes the new Strategic Partnership announced at the UK-EU Summit held in London on 19 May 2025. This summit marks a long-overdue political reset and a decisive shift toward a more structured, forward-looking partnership between two long-standing allies.

We support the reaffirmed commitments to Ukraine's sovereignty, the rules-based international order, and to open, fair trade. These are the foundations on which a more resilient and united Europe must now stand. The agreement of a Security and Defence Partnership rightly acknowledges the UK's vital role as a European security actor and reflects a shared determination to face today's challenges - together.

The joint roadmap on areas such as a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, youth mobility, and the linking of Emission Trading Systems signals renewed political will on both sides. We encourage swift follow-up to translate these ambitions into tangible results for citizens, especially young people, workers, and businesses who have carried the weight of Brexit's disruption. We also welcome the agreement to extend EU fishing rights in UK waters until 2038, offering continuity and predictability to coastal communities and the sector.

Nonetheless, we would encourage more progress on issues including digital innovation, particularly artificial intelligence, and the role of local and regional authorities, who are on the front line of Brexit's practical consequences. It must be acknowledged that the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) lacks territorial depth and does not sufficiently recognise the role of these actors.

While we welcome the commitment to holding annual summits, we must express our strong disappointment that this historic summit was held without a parliamentary dimension. The EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly is a formal part of the relationship and we would encourage its participation in future summits.

This summit was not the conclusion of a process, rather the beginning of a renewed effort. A relationship based not on mutual interest, shared responsibility, and the belief that our citizens are better off when we work together.

Sandro GOZI - Chair of D-UK

Klára DOBREV - Vice-chair of D-UK

Mika AALTOLA - Vice-chair of D-UK

Ahead of the UK-EU Summit on 19 May 2025, the Bureau of the Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly welcomes this opportunity to relaunch and strengthen the strategic ties between the European Union and the United Kingdom. In today's fast-changing geopolitical context, with new security and economic challenges emerging, closer cooperation between the EU and UK is more necessary than ever.

We support the ongoing efforts to build a formal EU-UK agreement on security and defence. Such a partnership should cover joint work on cyber resilience, hybrid threats, artificial intelligence, and critical infrastructure. But we are also clear: this summit must go beyond defence alone.

We should make progress on easing trade barriers, especially for SMEs; linking our emissions trading systems; deepening cooperation on renewable energy; agreeing on SPS standards; and supporting youth opportunities. These are areas where real benefits can be delivered to people and businesses. We highlight the recommendations adopted by the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly in March, which reflect clear, shared priorities. These should be fully taken into account at the Summit.

The foundation of our relationship remains the full and faithful implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. We trust that unresolved issues such as fisheries and energy will be negotiated in good faith to deliver concrete solutions.

This moment should mark a new chapter in EU-UK relations built on shared values, mutual interests, and a clear commitment to work together to meet today and tomorrow's challenges.

Sandro GOZI - Chair of D-UK

Klára DOBREV - Vice-chair of D-UK

Mika AALTOLA - Vice-chair of D-UK

The EU needs to further strengthen cooperation with the UK in light of unprecedented Russian threats, hybrid warfare, broader geopolitical shifts and growing global trade uncertainties.

In view of the upcoming first UK-EU Summit taking place on 19 May 2025, the following MEPs issued a statement: Co-Chairs of the European Parliament's United Kingdom Contact Group (UKCG) - Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, David McAllister (EPP, Germany), Chair of the Committee on International Trade, Bernd Lange (S&D, Germany) and Chair of the Delegation for relations with the UK, Sandro Gozi (Renew Europe, France), the Committee on Foreign Affairs' Standing Rapporteur on relations with the UK, Thijs Reuten (S&D, the Netherlands), and the Committee on International Trade's Standing Rapporteur on relations with the UK, Nina Carberry (EPP, Ireland):

"The EU and the UK are close, like-minded partners and allies, sharing common values and facing a serious volatile global security situation as well as divisions in the global economic order with unilateral and unjustified trade measures. Our security, welfare and prosperity are inextricably linked. Our relationship is based on the full respect and the faithful and timely implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

In light of the new geopolitical realities, it is in our mutual interest to strengthen our cooperation in a structured manner, in particular on foreign, security, defence and trade matters. We commend the UK's vital contribution to shaping a strong and unified European response to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. The UK's active engagement has been significant, and we encourage both the EU and its member states to build on this positive momentum to strengthen our collective response.

The EU and the UK should rise to the occasion and ensure an agreement on a defence and security partnership, one that fosters deeper cooperation on intelligence sharing, sanctions coordination, and information exchange on foreign information manipulation and interference. They should lay the groundwork for appropriate UK involvement in wider European efforts to strengthen resilience -- through joint work on strategic projects, replenishing key capacities, and reducing critical dependencies across sectors vital to Europe's security and stability. In parallel, both sides should also step up cooperation on combatting cross-border crime, including migrant smuggling, which poses shared challenges to public safety. Such an agreement would serve as a cornerstone for enhancing the security and resilience of our continent.

To the benefit of both parties, the EU and the UK should also enhance cooperation as regards people-to-people contacts via a youth opportunity scheme, governance of AI, climate and energy policies, for instance by linking their respective emission trading schemes and deepening renewable energy co-operation in the North Sea.

We also see substantial strategic potential in pursuing a sanitary and phytosanitary agreement, deepening regulatory and customs cooperation, and reducing trade barriers, particularly for SMEs, while ensuring a balanced and equitable arrangement on fisheries.

By working closely together, the EU and the UK can play a leading role in securing a more peaceful and prosperous future for Europe and beyond. The first UK-EU Summit offers a great opportunity to translate ideas into action. Together, we are greater than the sum of our parts. The current geopolitical moment requires all of us to prioritise the resolution of those issues affecting the foundation of our democracies, prosperity and welfare. This spirit should also facilitate the resolution of other issues in the future."

David McAllister (EPP, Germany), Chairman of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee and Co-Chair of the UKCG, said:

"The absence of formalised EU-UK security cooperation is increasingly untenable as we face threats to our freedom, our democracy and the rules-based international order. Our close cooperation in support of Ukraine as well as the UK's re-entry into the PESCO military mobility project highlights the potential of deeper collaboration. With transatlantic tensions growing, strengthening Europe's security capabilities -- while maintaining a strong NATO alliance -- will be vital. The UK, as a key European security actor, must be an integral part of this effort. The upcoming summit provides the ideal setting to make meaningful progress on this issue."

Bernd Lange (S&D, Germany), Chairman of the European Parliament's International Trade Committee and Co-Chair of the UKCG, said:

"It is about time to put some concrete lyrics to the melody of reset we have been happy to hear since the new UK government has been in place. So let us use the summit to establish a clear road map for areas like defence, energy and youth mobility in which we could - on the basis of the TCA - further strengthen our cooperation. Furthermore, let us not forget to use the potential of the TCA to its full extent. There is also still room for improvement to ease the issues in our trade relations. Although the UK is no longer part of the EU, we will always maintain a special relationship. The summit should be the starting point for a new era."

Sandro Gozi (Renew Europe, France), Chairman of the European Parliament's Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly and Co-Chair of the UKCG, said:

"Ahead of the UK-EU Summit, we welcome a strategic defence partnership as a key step in deepening security ties between long-standing allies. While security remains essential, we also highlight the need to advance cooperation on trade, youth opportunities, and climate and energy policy. These areas offer real benefits for our communities and economies. In doing so, we recall that the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement remain the cornerstones of the EU-UK relationship and reaffirm the need for their full and timely implementation. As we strengthen our cooperation, active parliamentary engagement will be vital to keeping these efforts grounded in the concerns and aspirations of citizens."

Thijs Reuten (S&D, the Netherlands), Standing Rapporteur on UK relations in the Foreign Affairs Committee, said:

"We must face geopolitical challenges with allies who stand close to us. The UK is one such ally -- playing a pivotal role in Europe's united support for Ukraine. As the EU advances its defence ambitions, this momentum should lead to a lasting EU-UK defence and security partnership, with the UK involved in strengthening Europe's resilience and deterrence. The Summit is the perfect moment to launch this partnership."

Nina Carberry (EPP, Ireland), Standing Rapporteur on UK relations in the International Trade Committee, said:

"While Brexit changed the dynamics, the EU remains the UK's largest trading partner. The TCA is the most ambitious free trade agreement the EU has concluded with any third country, but there is scope to deepen strategic cooperation, with agreements on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, emissions trading links, youth mobility, and mutual recognition of professional qualifications all on the table. The mood music is positive. I can only hope the summit delivers concrete, actionable outcomes."

The security of Europe and the UK are inseparably linked. Recent geopolitical developments, particularly Russia's continued war of aggression against Ukraine, highlight the need for stronger and more structured cooperation between European partners.

We welcome the unwavering commitment of the UK Government to European security and its steadfast support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The discussions at the Summit on Ukraine and Security in Europe on Monday 17 February reaffirmed the urgency of reinforcing our collective security efforts in the face of mounting threats. The unity demonstrated in supporting Ukraine must now be translated into deeper and more institutionalised cooperation between the EU and the UK.

However, the absence of a formal EU-UK agreement on security and defence remains a serious gap. While practical cooperation continues in some areas, a structured and ambitious partnership is necessary to ensure long-term strategic alignment. This should include reinforced intelligence sharing, joint operations, coordinated defence policies, and crisis management mechanisms. With the EU and UK increasing defence spending targets to meet critical capability shortfalls, this will also lead to the much needed strengthening of the defence technological and industrial base throughout Europe.

Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and emerging digital technologies are now integral to modern defence strategies, requiring closer EU-UK collaboration to address hybrid threats, cyber warfare, and the resilience of critical infrastructure. In this context, a strengthened security and defence partnership must go hand in hand with deeper cooperation on innovation, technological development, and regulatory frameworks for AI and digital security. Ensuring interoperability, ethical AI governance, and robust cybersecurity standards will be key to maintaining our collective resilience and strategic advantage in an increasingly complex global landscape.

An ambitious EU-UK security and defence agreement would not only strengthen our collective ability to respond to evolving threats but also send a powerful message of European unity and resilience to the world. At a time when our adversaries seek to exploit divisions, reinforcing our partnership is both a strategic necessity and a moral obligation.

Europe and the UK stand stronger together. Now is the time to take decisive steps toward a comprehensive security partnership that reflects our shared interests and responsibilities.

Sandro GOZI - Chair of D-UK

Klára DOBREV - Vice-chair of D-UK

Mika AALTOLA - Vice-chair of D-UK

As bureau of the EU's delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly (EU-UK PPA), we welcome:

• The establishment of the UK Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly;
• Rachel Reeves' participation in the Eurogroup, marking an important step towards strengthening diplomatic and economic relations;
• The agreement to hold an EU-UK Summit in early 2025.

We call on the PPA to adopt concrete recommendations in preparation for this Summit. We also urge all parties to intensify efforts to improve relations, focusing on:

• Economic security and energy cooperation;
• Sanctions against Russia;
• Managing potential tariff conflicts with the United States;
• Broader geopolitical challenges;
• People-to-people contacts;
• Sustainable competitiveness;
• AI and digital challenges.

We remind the UK of its obligations to implement existing agreements.

Finally, we stress that this reset cannot be in name only. A sincere approach and concrete commitments are essential to translate ambitions into reality, ultimately benefitting the wellbeing of the citizens of the EU and the UK.

Sandro GOZI - Chair of D-UK

Klára DOBREV - Vice-chair of D-UK

Mika AALTOLA - Vice-chair of D-UK