'Historic moment' as UK and EU sign agreement 5 years after Brexit

The United Kingdom and the European Union on Monday signed a new partnership agreement after months of intense negotiations.

"This is a historic moment," said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, after meeting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer together with European Council President António Costa in London.

"We are turning a page. We are opening a new chapter in our unique relationship," von der Leyen stated, after signing an agreement on behalf of the EU's 27 member states on closer cooperation including on defence and security, food standards, fisheries and energy, as well as irregular migration.

The deal comes about five years after the UK left the EU. Rapid geopolitical changes have helped ease strained relations, with both sides emphasizing their commitment to supporting Ukraine and free trade.

"At a time of global instability, and when our continent faces the greatest threat it has for generations, we in Europe stick together," von der Leyen said.

"A strong EU-UK relationship is of fundamental importance for that, for our security, for our prosperity, for our shared destiny on this continent," she added.

"Our relationship is grounded in shared values, mutual interests and the simple fact of our geographical closeness," said Costa after the summit meeting.

"We are neighbours, allies, partners and we are friends," he added.

"It marks a new era in our relationship. This deal is a win-win," Starmer said.

Starmer hopes that bringing his country closer to the EU again, without joining the bloc's single market or customs union, will add £9 billion ($12 billion) to the UK economy by 2040.

Under the deal, British companies are to participate in defence procurement projects supported by the EU. This includes projects to be financed through a €150 billion fund which still has to be finalized and set up by the bloc.

The two partners have agreed to work more closely together on the protection of critical infrastructure.

Both sides are also to grant each other full mutual access to fishing grounds for a period of 12 years. Regaining control of its own waters was one of the main arguments put forward by Brexit supporters.

London wants to cooperate better on food safety standards to simplify trade and reduce prices in British supermarkets.

The new partnership agreement aims to make travelling and living abroad easier for people on both sides of the English Channel.

Despite the UK and the EU pledging closer cooperation in the future, there are no plans for Britain to rejoin the bloc.

"We don't talk about our previous relationship, but we are working on a new strategic relationship," said Costa.

"This is not a U-turn, it's a new chapter," he added.