Revamping EU Ties: Starmer's Diplomatic Visits to Ireland and France
Deliberative Sessions and the EPC Summit
Starmer’s diplomatic plan is also scheduled to meet the Irish Taoiseach, Simon Harris at Chequers on Wednesday. This will be succeeded by his attendance at the fourth session of the European Political Community (EPC) to be held at Blenheim Palace near Oxford. The EPC, which was launched by French President Emmanuel Macron, is an international event that unites more than 45 heads of state of EU and non-EU countries to discuss common issues.
The leader of the Labour party is also planned to have a dinner with President Macron on Thursday evening after the EPC summit. These meetings afford starmer his first chance to assure European leaders face to face of his determination to improve relations with the EU.
The EPC Summit: its agenda and importance
The EPC summit which will be held this year in the UK will address the current challenges like the state of Ukraine, migration crises and the status of democracy in Europe. Participation in the EPC is unmoderated, which means that it fosters debates on various issues, such as the emergence of neo-fascist organizations and Russian propaganda.
This involves restoring and enhancing credibility between the two parties.
Starmer’s diplomacy also arrives at a time when UK – EU relations have been tested due to Brexit issues. Speaking to insiders in Brussels, it has emerged that it may take some time to restore trust in UK-EU relations. The Labour Party’s foreign policy vision, as enunciated by the recently-appointed Foreign Secretary David Lammy, seeks to establish a closer bond between the UK and Europe and the global south.
The UK and Ireland relations and the position of Northern Ireland
Such a meeting is especially important as the Irish Taoiseach has a part in the Good Friday Agreement, and there is a large amount of trade between the two states. A recent cause for concern is the UK government’s Legacy Act and it has underlined the necessity of enhanced communication and cooperation between London and Dublin on issues concerning Northern Ireland.
While Starmer gets ready for these important sessions, much will depend on his capacity to offer a new approach on how the UK can engage with the EU and on how the UK can reestablish cooperation with its European counterparts. The consequences of such diplomacy can thus shape the UK and its relations with the EU in the future and its place in the international system.
