The EU and UK have announced a Common Understanding which sets out the conclusions of talks held at the EU-UK Summit on 19 May 2025.
19 May 2025, 2 min read
What is the objective?
The Common Understanding marks a renewed commitment from both sides to:
- Implement the Withdrawal Agreement and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement in a ‘full, faithful and timely’ manner.
- Consolidate existing cooperation on fisheries and energy.
- Strengthen relations in five broad areas – security, defence and development cooperation; people; the planet and its resources’ international security and judicial cooperation; and irregular migration.
What has been announced on fisheries and energy?
On fisheries
Both sides have agreed to the full and reciprocal access to waters until 30 June 2038 to ensure stability and predictability for fishers on both sides of the Channel. This agreement will be formalised within a month.
On energy
- Both sides have agreed to extend the application of the TCA’s energy title on an annual basis. This was due to expire in June 2026. Instead, its extension will be
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