Tensions between France and the United Kingdom have resurfaced as Prime Minister Keir Starmer seeks closer ties with the European Union. French President Emmanuel Macron is taking a tough stance on defense and fishing negotiations, complicating the path to a post-Brexit reset. The UK is aiming for deeper cooperation amid broader geopolitical uncertainty, including under President Donald Trump’s foreign policy shift away from Europe.
Macron Plays Tough as Starmer Seeks EU Reset
French President Emmanuel Macron is taking a hardline approach in ongoing diplomatic negotiations as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer aims to rebuild relations with the European Union. While the two sides continue to cooperate on issues like the war in Ukraine, key points of tension—especially defense cooperation and fishing rights—are straining the reset process.
Behind the scenes, French diplomats have resisted offering favorable terms to Britain, mirroring the firm stance Paris adopted during the initial Brexit negotiations.
France Opposes British Access to EU Defense Fund
A major sticking point in current talks is British participation in the EU’s €150 billion SAFE rearmament program, which is being designed to bolster European defense capabilities amid Russian aggression. While the UK wants its defense companies to gain access, France is pushing back, citing concerns over economic competition and domestic job losses.
Diplomatic sources say France may agree to British involvement only under strict financial terms, such as treating the UK as a fee-paying participant, not a full partner.
Fisheries Dispute Revives Old Brexit Tensions
The issue of fishing rights has also re-emerged. France and other EU states want to extend European fleets’ access to British waters beyond 2026, a right currently protected under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Macron’s government is wary of entering a broader deal with London without clear commitments on fisheries.
“You can’t negotiate security and then be fighting over mackerel quotas the next year,” one French official remarked.
Three-Part Pact Under Negotiation Ahead of London Summit
Talks are underway to create a three-part agreement between the UK and EU, which would include:
- A political declaration
- A defense pact
- A framework for broader cooperation
The deal is expected to be a highlight of the upcoming May 19 summit in London, which could redefine post-Brexit UK-EU relations.
UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized alignment with EU allies during a recent foreign ministers’ meeting in Poland:
“We are working hand-in-hand with our European allies to build a safer, more secure, and more prosperous Europe.”
Farage Pressure and Trump’s Foreign Policy Cast a Shadow
At home, Starmer faces pressure from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, whose strong local election performance highlights public skepticism of renewed EU ties. Farage remains a vocal Brexit supporter and opposes any attempt to re-align with Brussels.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s foreign policy—marked by reduced U.S. involvement in Europe and NATO uncertainty—is forcing the EU to consider strategic alliances independently. This includes potentially leaning more heavily on the UK for security, despite the challenges of post-Brexit diplomacy.
France’s Balancing Act: Leverage and Legacy
Macron is balancing short-term strategic interests with long-term concerns about French influence and economic competition. Although skeptical of British intentions, Paris acknowledges that cooperation with London is essential, especially on Ukraine and global security.
“If France and the UK don’t work together, nothing will happen,” said former diplomat François-Joseph Schichan.
This pragmatic approach may open the door to compromise, though France is expected to maintain a cautious and calculated stance throughout.
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