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UK/EU Summit - Key documentation

Synopsis

A joint statement released following the UK/EU summit in May set out commitments for a strategic partnership between the UK and EU.

Proposals relevant to the environment include linking the UK and EU Emissions Trading Systems and establishing a common UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary zone, which would reduce checks on animal and plant products.

Summary

A joint statement released following the UK/EU summit on 19 May 2025 set out commitments for a strategic partnership between the UK and EU. This includes policy relevant to the environment:

An agreement to link the UK Emissions Trading System (UK ETS), which was established through the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Trading Scheme Order 2020, with the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). This is intended to improve allowance price stability and avoid impacts on UK industry from the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (EU CBAM), which operates from 2026.
A commitment to establishing a UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Zone. This would remove export health certificates for animal products and plant health certificates, alongside the removal of associated inspection certificates, border checks and routine checks. This will also make moving goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland simpler.
- The proposed changes will require changes to UK legislation concerning sanitary and phytosanitary checks.
A commitment to maximise cooperation on clean energy technologies.
A commitment to explore participation in EU electricity trading platforms.
A 12-year access agreement concerning EU access to UK fishing waters.

The Cabinet Office has published the following documents as a result of the summit:

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