King Charles III has extended a formal invitation to French President Emmanuel Macron for a state visit to the United Kingdom this May, ahead of a possible visit by U.S. President Donald Trump in September. The visit signals a symbolic shift in Britain’s post-Brexit foreign policy priorities, with renewed emphasis on rebuilding ties with the European Union.
The state visit by Macron will be his first to the UK in this capacity and comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer pushes to “reset” relations with Brussels. The British government is working closely with EU leaders, including Macron, to forge a new era of cooperation following years of uncertainty after Brexit.
Macron and Starmer have led a “coalition of the willing” in Europe focused on providing long-term security guarantees for Ukraine, particularly in the event of a ceasefire with Russia.
Defence Pact Expected at London Summit
During Macron’s visit, the UK and EU are expected to finalise a landmark defence and security pact at a London summit on 19 May. The agreement will aim to enhance European military capabilities and spending, while also laying the groundwork for deeper trade talks.
This defence cooperation may pave the way for discussions on agricultural and food standards to ease trade friction, as well as initiatives to improve student mobility and youth exchange programmes.
However, the pact may depend on the UK’s willingness to make concessions on fishing rights for EU vessels in British waters—an issue expected to feature prominently in the May talks.
EU and UK to Define Broader Post-Brexit Vision
The upcoming summit is expected to outline a framework for a broader UK-EU cooperation strategy, with both sides seeking clarity on key issues to be included in Starmer’s long-term plan for closer economic and security ties.
Trump Set for UK Visit Amid New Tariffs and Trade Tensions
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, President Donald Trump is reportedly planning a UK visit in September, following an invitation extended by King Charles during Starmer’s February visit to Washington. The visit could mark Trump’s first state engagement with the UK during his current term.
Trump has recently imposed sweeping tariffs, including a flat 10% duty on all UK and EU imports, adding friction to transatlantic relations. Although he has temporarily paused additional retaliatory measures, these actions underscore his administration’s more protectionist stance and the potential difficulty in securing favourable UK-US trade agreements.
