Honourable chairs, Honourable members,

Yesterdays EU-UK Summit marked a new chapter in our relationship, launching a strategic partnership and renewed agenda for cooperation. We continue to work closely on shared challenges, especially concerning Ukraine.

We have a solid foundation with the Withdrawal Agreement and Trade and Cooperation Agreement. At the Summit, we committed to fully implement these agreements and build on them with a new package to strengthen relations.

Key outcomes from the Summit included a Joint Statement, a Security and Defence Partnership, and a Common Understanding on future work areas. Agreements on fisheries and energy were also reached, ensuring stability and cooperation beyond 2026.

The Common Understanding outlines five areas of future work: security and defence, people-to-people contacts, prosperity, law enforcement, and migration. Initiatives like a youth experience scheme and potential UK association to Erasmus+ will enhance people-to-people contacts.

In law enforcement, cooperation at Europol and data exchanges will improve. On migration, strengthening cooperation against smuggling is a priority.

This ambitious package benefits both EU and UK citizens and businesses, reinforcing our strategic partnership. We remain committed to making the most of our agreements and building upon them.

Thank you.