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EVIAN, France, June 16, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - The EU and Britain will hold a 
summit in Brussels on July 22 as part of efforts to improve ties a decade on 
from the Brexit vote, leaders said Tuesday.

Top EU officials Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen announced the date 
after meeting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the sidelines of the G7 
gathering in France.

"Close EU-UK cooperation is essential for our shared European security, 
resilience, and prosperity," Costa said in a statement.

"We are working closely together to make our upcoming second summit in 
Brussels on 22 July a success."

Starmer confirmed the meeting with the EU's top duo and said his government 
was "delivering on our promise to reset our relationship and put Britain at 
the heart of Europe".

Since coming to power in 2024, Starmer has looked to turn the page on the bad 
blood caused by Britain's 2016 vote to quit the bloc.

The two sides are hoping to present several deals at the summit, namely on 
food and animal safety standards, a youth mobility scheme, and the linking of 
their emissions trading systems.

But discussions have been difficult on some of the issues.

The summit comes as Starmer confronts an uncertain future, with the British 
premier expected to face a leadership challenge if lead contender Andy 
Burnham is elected to parliament in the coming days.