The UK and EU reach an agreement

On May 19, 2025, the United Kingdom and the European Union announced a landmark agreement aimed at revitalizing their post-Brexit relationship. This comprehensive deal addresses key issues such as border controls and pet travel, marking a significant shift towards smoother cooperation between the two parties.

 

Streamlined Border Controls for Food and Animal Products

A central component of the agreement is the introduction of a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) framework. This framework significantly reduces bureaucratic hurdles for the trade of animal and plant products between the UK and the EU. Under this arrangement, most routine checks and certifications for such goods will be eliminated, facilitating easier and more cost-effective trade.

The UK government projects that this reduction in red tape will not only lower food prices for consumers but also add nearly £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040. British food producers and retailers have welcomed the deal, anticipating improved supply chain stability and reduced operational pressures.

Reintroduction of Pet Passports

Another significant development is the reintroduction of the EU pet passport system for UK pet owners. Since Brexit, traveling with pets to the EU required obtaining an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) for each trip, a process that was both time-consuming and costly.

With the new agreement, UK cats and dogs can once again travel to EU countries using a pet passport, eliminating the need for an AHC for every journey. This change simplifies the process for pet owners and reduces associated costs, making it easier for individuals to travel with their pets across borders.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer hailed the agreement as a "historic reset" of EU-UK relations, emphasizing its potential to boost jobs, lower costs, and improve border efficiency. While some sectors, such as fishing, have expressed concerns, the overall response from businesses and the public has been largely positive, viewing the deal as a step towards more harmonious and productive relations between the UK and the EU.