The UK and the EU have signed a historic agreement, ushering in a new post-Brexit era in security, food, and cooperation. How does this affect Spain?

The United Kingdom and the European Union have reached this Monday an agreement historic agreement which redefines their complex relations in security, trade, and food, marking a turning point in the post-Brexit era. The signing, staged at Lancaster House (London) by the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, together with the President of the European Council, António Costa, symbolizes a strategic shift after years of tensions and the beginning of what both sides have described as a “new era” in their bilateral relationship.

 

The agreement, the result of the first bilateral summit since the United Kingdom's departure from the EU, addresses key issues that had generated friction and trade obstacles. Among its highlights are the elimination of most routine controls on animal and plant productsThis measure will allow goods, including food and beverages, to move more freely between the UK and the EU, and crucially, between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, easing red tape and hopefully lowering food prices and facilitating the export of iconic British products like burgers and sausages to the European market.

 

In the sensitive fishing sector, it has been agreed extend reciprocal access to fishing waters until 2038, offering 12 years of stability for European and British fleets.

 

Cooperation in security and defense The EU's cooperation is also significantly strengthened. The United Kingdom will join the EU's defence fund and is committed to closer collaboration with the EU to address common threats such as the war in Ukraine and organized crime. This will include increased information sharing and coordination in border control and the fight against irregular immigration.

 

Thinking about future generations, both sides have moved towards reintegration of the United Kingdom into the program Erasmus +, which would make it easier for young British and European people to study, work or volunteer in each other's countries for limited periods. In addition, a dialogue will be initiated to simplify access to the British market for European service providers and to advance the recognition of professional qualifications in regulated sectors.

 

 

During the joint press conference, Ursula von der Leyen He described the day as a “historic day”, stressing that "we have a real opportunity to turn the page and write a new chapter in our relationship. Working together to ensure the security of our shared continent and the prosperity of the people on both sides of the Channel."

 

For his part, the British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, he claimed: "This agreement marks a new era, is a victory for both parties, and achieves what the British people voted for: giving us unprecedented access to the EU market, while maintaining the red lines of our election manifesto."He added that the pact “leaves behind old, obsolete debates” and represents “A new strategic alliance adapted to our times”.

 

The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Policy, Kaja kallas, valued the agreement as “Well, because it doesn’t fully satisfy either party.”, highlighting the qualitative leap in bilateral cooperation. In line with the British government's optimism, the Cabinet Office Minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds, summed up the feeling with a message on social media: “Historic day. Britain back on the world stage.”.

 

The agreement, which fulfills one of Starmer's main electoral promises, has not been exempt from criticism from the conservative and populist opposition in the United Kingdom, who have called it "betrayal" to the spirit of Brexit. However, the British government maintains that the pact will benefit the country's economy and consumers, in addition to strengthening its international position, especially after a 21% drop in British exports and a 7% drop in imports since Brexit. This pact represents the closest rapprochement between London and Brussels in five years.

 

Impact on Spain: Trade and fishing relief, but no return to the single market

 

For Spain, the new agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom presents, in economic terms and without considering the Gibraltar issue, mostly positive effects compared to the tense post-Brexit situation, although it does not fully restore the conditions prior to Britain's departure.

 

One of the main benefits for Spain lies in the facilitation of agri-food tradeThe reduction in controls will streamline the export and import of food and beverages, a vital sector for the Spanish economy, which will allow it to regain competitiveness and commercial fluidity. Furthermore, reduction of non-tariff barriers will benefit exporting companies in sectors such as the automotive, textile and chemical sectors.

 

In the fisheries sector, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food welcomed the continued reciprocal access to British waters for 12 years. louis planes has assessed that, although there is a slight reduction in quotas, the sector gains “predictability and legal certainty”, giving stability to the Spanish fleet. The agreement could also boost the investment and access to professional services between both territories.

 

However, there are limitations and risksThe agreement does not imply the United Kingdom's reentry into the single market or the customs union, so certain regulatory barriers will remain. Although the new framework is more favorable than a no-deal Brexit, economic analyses suggest that Spain could continue to experience a negative impact on GDP, employment, and investment compared to the pre-Brexit era, albeit less than initially feared. Spain's high financial and trade exposure to the United Kingdom remains a factor of vulnerability to fluctuations in the bilateral relationship.