In the spring of 2024, when he was still British Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer was already promising a "reset" of relations with the European Union (EU). Since taking office in Downing Street in July, he has been talking about it non-stop. But beyond declarations of intent, handshakes and smiles on camera, the desired rapprochement between London and Brussels has so far led to nothing tangible.

On Monday, February 3, the dinner scheduled in Brussels between the British prime minister and the 27 EU heads of state and government, devoted to an informal discussion on defense, could finally mark the start of concrete negotiations on a rapprochement.

On the agenda are two pressing issues keeping everyone's backs against the wall: the return of Donald Trump to the White House and the uncertain future of the war in Ukraine. The US president is demanding that Europeans increase their defense spending to 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) in order to shoulder greater responsibility for the continent's collective security, which today is largely ensured by the United States. It will probably be up to them to provide guarantees for a potential ceasefire or peace treaty between Ukraine and Russia, which is desired by Trump.

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