Prime Minister Keir Starmer met European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on 14 February 2026 at the Munich Security Conference. Downing Street’s readout said both leaders reaffirmed plans to strengthen collective defence and backed a “more European NATO” while underlining strong transatlantic ties. (gov.uk)
They agreed to intensify work ahead of the next UK–EU summit, with the UK signalling ambition for deeper integration across the economy, defence and technology in support of security and growth. This aligns with the UK–EU Security and Defence Partnership agreed in May 2025 and scope to explore cooperation under the EU’s proposed €150bn Security Action for Europe instrument, subject to legal frameworks. (gov.uk)
On trade, both sides committed to step up negotiations on a food and drink package. The UK–EU Common Understanding published after the May 2025 summit sets out a prospective Common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area that, once implemented, would remove most certificates and routine controls for agri‑food movements between Great Britain and the EU. (gov.uk)
Ministers have presented the SPS package as a route to lower business costs and ultimately lower prices. Defra material points to potential gains of about £5.1bn a year and indicates that scrapping most export health certificates could save around £200 per consignment alongside fewer physical inspections. (gov.uk)
The meeting also reaffirmed momentum on linking the UK Emissions Trading Scheme with the EU ETS. Government guidance argues that linkage would deliver a larger, more liquid market with steadier carbon prices, support investment, and avoid EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism charges that officials estimate could otherwise reach up to £800m by 2030. (gov.uk)
According to the UK ETS Authority, negotiations began after the EU agreed a mandate in November 2025, with a joint statement in December 2025 aiming to conclude talks by the next summit. In parallel, the Authority is proceeding with scheme expansion and a long‑term declining cap into the 2030s. (gov.uk)
On mobility, the leaders noted progress towards a time‑limited youth experience scheme with capped numbers and a dedicated visa route for short‑term work, study, volunteering and travel. Work also continues on possible UK association to Erasmus+, subject to mutually agreed financial terms. (gov.uk)
Officials frame this as a delivery window for the May 2025 commitments, with decisions expected to firm up before the next UK–EU summit. Any outcomes will proceed through each side’s legal and institutional processes under the Strategic Partnership agreed last year. (gov.uk)
For agri‑food exporters and retailers, the operational questions now centre on sequencing, certification changes and border capacity. The Food and Drink Federation has warned that a veterinary‑style arrangement will require realistic transition periods and resourcing to avoid disruption, urging sustained engagement from government on implementation. (ft.com)
For emitters covered by carbon pricing, the practical task is to track consultations and scenario‑test for a linked market while UK ETS reforms continue irrespective of negotiations. If linkage is agreed, allowances would be fungible across both systems under an agreement articulated with the Windsor Framework and each side’s rules. (gov.uk)