Security, defense and youth mobility

Talks on strengthening ties have focused largely on security and defense, and on a youth mobility plan that would allow young Britons and Europeans to live and work temporarily in each other's territory.

That remains a politically touchy issue in the U.K., seen by some Brexiteers as inching back towards free movement — though the U.K. already has youth mobility arrangements with countries including Australia and Canada.

Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, who is leading negotiations, said that talks with the EU were going down "to the wire."

The issue of fishing

The summit is expected to lead to more intense discussions on an array of issues, including aligning standards on the sale of agricultural products that could eliminate costly checks on food products exported across the English Channel, closer energy ties and a new fishing pact.

While he wouldn't provide details, Thomas-Symonds said that he was confident that trade could be improved for food imports and exports.

"We know we've had lorries waiting for 16 hours, fresh food in the back not able to be exported, because frankly it's just going off, red tape, all the certifications that are required, we absolutely want to reduce that," he told the BBC.

Disagreements reportedly remain over fishing, an economically minor but symbolically large issue for the U.K. and EU member states such as France. Disputes over the issue nearly derailed a Brexit deal back in 2020.

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