A delegation from the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee will visit London from October 28th to 30th to explore ways to deepen the EU-UK partnership in areas of foreign policy and security.
This represents the first official visit by the Foreign Affairs Committee to the United Kingdom since the start of the current parliamentary term.
Throughout their stay, the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will engage in high-level discussions with UK government officials and parliamentarians, focusing on strengthening strategic cooperation and tackling pressing international challenges.
The delegation’s schedule includes meetings with several prominent UK officials. Among these will be Stephen Doughty, Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; Emily Thornberry, Chair of the UK House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee; Lord Peter Ricketts, Chair of the European Affairs Committee in the House of Lords; Andrew Mitchell, the Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs; and Odile Renaud-Basso, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
These discussions will not only focus on enhancing EU-UK collaboration but will also cover pressing global issues and regional developments, reflecting the need for cooperation amidst today’s complex geopolitical landscape.
The delegation is led by David McAllister, the Chair of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee and a member of the European People’s Party.
McAllister is joined by other prominent MEPs from various political groups and countries, including Francisco Millán-Mon , Željana Zovko, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Matthieu Valet, Adam Bielan, and Nathalie Loiseau. Their collective expertise is expected to provide a comprehensive approach to strengthening EU-UK ties and exploring new avenues of collaboration.
During their visit, the delegation will address key international issues that require joint efforts from the EU and the UK.
Among these are Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine, which has led to severe geopolitical tensions and calls for united responses from European nations. The escalating conflict in the Middle East, along with its humanitarian and security implications, will also be a focal point, as the EU and UK seek ways to support stability in the region.
Additionally, the Indo-Pacific’s rising tensions will be discussed, recognizing the importance of a coordinated approach to maintain a rules-based international order and safeguard regional stability.
David McAllister emphasised the importance of the EU-UK relationship, noting that both entities share fundamental values and priorities, such as promoting human rights, democracy, and adherence to international law.
“The United Kingdom and the European Union are close partners. We share common interests and values, including the promotion of human rights, democracy, the rule of law, and a rules-based international order,” McAllister stated ahead of the visit.
He highlighted that in the face of today’s significant geopolitical challenges, it is essential to work together to strengthen these partnerships.
Building on the progress achieved through agreements like the Withdrawal Agreement, the Windsor Framework, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, McAllister underscored the need for sustained cooperation, particularly in security and defense.
One specific area of focus is the advancement of a formalised framework for EU-UK security collaboration.
McAllister noted that while existing agreements have laid a foundation, the need for a more structured approach is essential for meeting emerging security threats effectively.
He urged the UK government to present its ideas for formalized cooperation, underscoring the importance of moving forward in this critical field. McAllister expressed confidence that the discussions in London would bring greater clarity on these issues and help reinforce the EU-UK partnership.
Both sides recognise the value of close cooperation, particularly in promoting stability and peace in a time marked by international crises.
Main Image: Fred MARVAUX Copyright: © European Union 2024 – Source : EP
This article was originally published by QuestComms.eu and is republished with their permission.
