Former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak succeeded Liz Truss as Prime Minster after her resignation last month. On foreign policy issues, his positions are similar to those of his predecessors. Sunak is expected to continue Global Britain's foreign policy objectives. 1 EU-UK relations have soured since the UK left the EU in 2020. However, the energy crisis, the war in Ukraine, and trade disputes over the Northern Ireland Protocol present opportunities to strengthen EU-UK relations.

One of the most contentious issues between the United Kingdom and the European Union is the Northern Ireland Protocol. Custom checks on goods coming into Northern Ireland have led to medicine and food shortages. Also, it has led to a political crisis as the Democratic Unionist Party refused to agree to a power-sharing deal until the protocol is revised. The UK and EU have so far been unable to agree on possible solutions and have instead clashed over the UK’s refusal to enforce of the Protocol.

The United Kingdom and the European Union could end this deadlock under Rishi Sunak. In contrast to his predecessors, Sunak has stated that while he is supporting a bill that would override the protocol, he is open to a negotiation 23 Likewise, the EU has also made it clear that it is willing to compromise with the United Kingdom to settle issues stemming from the Northern Ireland Protocol. Rishi Sunak attended the most recent British-Irish Council summit in to address these challenges and express his hope that progress would continue. He was the first Prime Minister to attend the summit in 15 years. 4

Additionally, the UK and the EU could continue collaborating on foreign and security policy matters. Both are still committed to supplying Ukraine with military equipment and aid, deterring further Russian aggression, and maintaining security in Europe. To tackle the energy prices, both the EU and UK could build on existing efforts. Before she resigned, the UK was about to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Northern Seas Energy Cooperation. 5 The European Political Community is the best opportunity to discuss these issues.

The EU is optimistic about working with Sunak. EU officials believe that stability within the United Kingdom is necessary for solving the multiple crises affecting Europe. 6 Domestic politics could be an obstacle. Sunak was an early supporter of Brexit and is intent on delivering Brexit promises. He may also face resistance from Eurosceptic MPs of his own party if he compromises with the EU on any issue. Still, there is a chance to improve UK-EU relations.

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1 Ben Baxendale-Smith, “Foreign policy challenges facing the Sunak Government,” Wilson Center, November 2, 2022, accessed November 3, 2022, https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/foreign-policy-challenges-facing-sunak-government

2 Brendon Hughes, “Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak set out stalls on Northern ahead of Tory leadership hustings,” BelfastLive, October 26, 2022, accessed September 16, 2022, https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/liz-truss-rishi-sunak-set-24767624

3 Gabriela Baczynka, “UK and EU must work together, bloc’s chairman tells new PM Sunak,” Reuters, October 24, 2022, November 16, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britain-eu-must-work-together-blocs-chairman-tells-pm-sunak-2022-10-24/

4 Shawn Pogatchnik, “Sunak seek negotiated solution to Brexit trade row in first talks with Ireland,” Politico, November 10 2022, accessed November 11 https://www.politico.eu/article/rishi-sunak-brexit-trade-tensions-ireland-talks-protocol/

5 Andy Bounds, “UK to sign deal with EU energy partnership amid thawing relations,” Financial Times, October 6, 2022, accessed November 16. 2022, https://www.ft.com/content/e7faef6b-f2a3-4622-a51b-896b7d25e45d

6 Jon Henley and Samantha Lock, “’Groundbreaking milestone’: world reacts to Rishi Sunak as new British PM,” The Guardian, October 25, 2022, accessed September 2022, https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/oct/25/groundbreaking-milestone-world-reacts-to-rishi-sunak-as-next-british-prime-minister