Almost a decade after the U.K.’s Brexit vote and amidst evolving relations with the U.S., the U.K. and the EU have significantly strengthened their trade and defense cooperation on Monday.

In the most substantial agreement since Brexit in 2016, the U.K. and EU will enhance defense ties and reduce bureaucracy, streamlining access to the continent for U.K. goods and tourists, while also granting EU fishing vessels access to British waters.

The agreements are being hailed as a “reset,” supported by figures like , a Brexit opponent, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who emphasized European unity amid global instability and threats.

While the U.K. previously negotiated down the Trump administration’s 25% tariffs to 10% on up to 100,000 car exports to the U.S., the EU hasn’t reached a similar agreement and is facing 20% tariffs on all U.S. exports starting in July.

Despite ongoing negotiations between EU and U.S. officials, reports suggest that even the current 10% tariff on the EU has already had a negative economic impact for 2025.

However, Trump’s tariffs aren’t the sole reason for Western allies strengthening ties after his return to the White House.

Trump’s strong push for increased NATO defense spending and his divergence from the Biden administration’s Ukraine aid policy prompted European allies to take action following his inauguration.

While the Trump administration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump’s reluctance to openly condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin has fostered stronger relationships among key nations like the U.K., France, and Germany, both individually and within the EU.

A central aspect of the new defense agreement is the U.K.’s access to an EU defense loan program worth approximately $170 billion, expanding opportunities for joint defense procurement.

“Britain is back on the world stage,” Starmer stated. “This deal is a win-win.”

Far-right conservatives in the U.K., such as prominent Brexit supporter Nigel Farage, have criticized the recently announced agreement.

The White House has not yet responded to Digital’s inquiries.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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