New Delhi: EU officials and diplomats are starting to doubt whether UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is truly committed to resetting Britains relationship with Europe. Although Starmer has expressed a desire for closer ties, two months into his leadership, there are concerns in Brussels that his actions may align more closely with his Conservative predecessors than previously hoped.Despite Starmers promise of a new chapter in UK-EU relations, European officials have voiced frustration over his quick dismissal of key EU priorities, such as rejoining the Erasmus student exchange program and establishing a youth mobility scheme. These rejections have tempered early optimism in European capitals about the potential for improved relations under Starmers leadership.Early optimism for Starmer is now fading awayInitially, the tone from the UK government was seen as positive. In terms of rhetoric and mood music, the new UK approach has been relatively positive, a senior EU official told POLITICO. However, this positivity is waning as specific EU proposals continue to be rejected by the British government. The problem, though, is people are starting to think its a bit of a facade, the official added, pointing to Starmers repeated refusal to engage with policies like Erasmus and youth mobility.An anonymous EU diplomat also noted disappointment in the UKs stance on Erasmus, saying that Brussels had hoped Starmer would view rejoining the program as an easy step towards rebuilding trust. Re-entry into the student exchange program is seen as low-hanging fruit, they said, expressing surprise at the UKs refusal.What are the constraints being faced by Starmer Brussels is well aware of the political constraints Starmer faces. The Labour leader has drawn clear red lines, ruling out rejoining the single market, customs union, or restoring free movement, all to avoid alienating voters who supported Brexit. Despite this, there was hope that within these boundaries, Starmer would still be able to make meaningful progress.However, Starmers political position appears increasingly restricted. A casual statement in early 2024 that Labour had no plans for a youth mobility scheme evolved into an extremely negative stance in private discussions, according to EU diplomats. European officials, perplexed by this response, speculated that there might be a misunderstanding on the UKs part regarding the proposal, which would grant 18- to 30-year-olds affordable visas to live and work abroad for up to four years.Starmer has publicly likened the youth mobility scheme to a return to free movement, a concept he firmly opposes. Understanding that he is wary of anything that could boost the pro-Brexit, anti-immigration Reform Party, which is gaining traction in traditional Labour strongholds, EU capitals are now rethinking the proposal in hopes of crafting a version more acceptable to the UK.How did the UK govt respondA UK government spokesperson commented, Weve had very positive engagement in our early conversations as we work to reset the relationship with our European friends, strengthen ties, secure a broad-based security pact, and tackle barriers to trade. However, the gap between positive rhetoric and concrete action continues to frustrate EU officials.What does Brussels wantWhile Starmer has outlined his own priorities for the UK-EU relationship, such as reducing border bureaucracy with a veterinary deal, securing mutual recognition of professional qualifications, and easing restrictions on British artists touring Europe, Brussels has its own agenda. Youth mobility, in particular, is seen as a crucial quid pro quo in any potential negotiations.Although Starmer has traveled to several EU capitals, including Berlin and Dublin, to promote his reset message, these visits have raised eyebrows in Brussels. Some European officials suspect the UK may be attempting to sidestep the European Commission by negotiating directly with individual member states. One EU official dismissed this notion as completely inaccurate and legally wrong, emphasizing that the negotiating mandate is already set, and member states would have almost zero influence in such matters.For Starmer, the reset may be more challenging than anticipated, as Brussels becomes increasingly skeptical of his ability — or willingness — to truly mend the Brexit breach.
