EU’s Maroš Šefčovič says that the summit may probably be held mid-July ’26, although sources say it may be delayed to occur after the summer as talks deadlocked.
The EU has, in the meantime, said that Keir Starmer’s upcoming summit may still reshape the UK-Europe relationship in July. The announcement is amidst growing fears it may be postponed to the autumn as talks over youth mobility remain deadlocked.
An EU diplomat said that the summit is supposed to be held in mid-July, but at present, it may be rescheduled to be held after the summer.
Sources expressed a shared concern about the loss of momentum. Negotiations may always continue until the moment the clock stops, followed by a text the next morning. However, as there’s no deadline, the pressure is non-existent.
Speaking at a conference in Brussels, the EU trade commissioner, Maroš Šefčovič, said that he believes that there is still the expectation that the summit may still materialize in July.
When asked if talks were deadlocked on a scheme to permit under-30s to travel freely on a 3-year visa scheme for youth, Sofcovic said that it was one of the top 3 issues. Additionally, this issue is one that the EU ministers care deeply about.
Describing the recent meeting of 27 European ministers, Sofcovic said that, when discussing relations with the UK, 20 ministers took the floor. They all believed that the youth experience is important to them. So, he also opined that he may perceive the meeting as an investment in the future.
Sefcovic added that his second daughter studied in the UK. He added that she has all her university friends from the UK. She even speaks better English than I do, adding that she can perform the British accent quite well.
He noted that European governments widely reflect his personal interests. This situation means that it may be turning into something of a red line for EU leaders.
