For the ECR Group, Brexit should not stand in the way of cooperation where the EU and the UK have clear common interests. Europe’s security and prosperity are closely linked to a strong and pragmatic relationship with Britain, particularly at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty. The future relationship between the European Union and the United Kingdom should be based on practical cooperation, mutual benefit and a clear focus on areas where both sides share strategic interests.

Speaking in today’s European Parliament debate ahead of the EU–UK summit on 20 November, ECR MEP Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Member of the Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, said security and defence cooperation should come first. The summit in Brussels is expected to take stock of progress in the bilateral relationship and discuss next steps in areas including defence and security, energy, agrifood rules, migration, law enforcement and people-to-people contacts.

Wiśniewska said:

“Good relations between the UK and the European Union should be based on concrete elements. First of all, security and defence. And then, of course, we need more cooperation in the defence industry and against hybrid threats.

“Then, trade and agriculture. We should protect our agriculture from unfair competition and maintain high standards of food safety.

“Third, the younger generation. It is good that the UK is rejoining Erasmus+, but there are still problems that have not been solved.”

Wiśniewska concluded:

“Brexit should not hamper our common interests. Our relationship should be mutually beneficial.”