How France and Britain Put Brexit on Pause at the G7 Summit
Schloss Elmaü, Germany — When the world’s biggest military leaders met on Sunday, June 26, they rolled up their sleeves for one thing: Ukraine. No mention of the ever‑annoying Brexit or that pesky Northern Ireland seafood dispute. The Europeans, and their British counterpart, decided to skip the old “soul‑sucking” baggage and keep the focus on the war that keeps dozens in the dark.
From Sausage Wars to Submarine Shenanigans
- Last year, the UK and France squabbled over importing cold meat to Northern Ireland – a fight that made news headlines and left many feeling the “sizzling” tension.
- In September, the UK agreed to a trilateral submarine deal with the US and Australia, sidelining French‑made subs that Paris had quietly been courting. That move earned France a famously sharp look.
G7 Strategy: Ukraine Gets the Spotlight
At this year’s summit – set against the picturesque backdrop of Germany – both leaders exchanged smiles and said: “We’re here to help Ukraine, not to argue about EU borders.”1
In a statement from Downing Street, the UK spokesperson summed up the mood: “We’re at a critical juncture. It’s the perfect chance to pivot the war’s momentum.” Mac ron echoed the sentiment, keen to stitch a stronger relationship and “warm” up ties that had been “tissing” for years.
A Fresh Idea, Not Fresh Arguments
Mac ron, perhaps trying to keep the feeling of unity alive, floated the notion of a European Political Community – essentially a framework for nations wanting closer ties with the EU but not ready or willing to join it outright. The concept was something he’d hinted at in March.
Johnson’s enthusiasm for the idea was palpable. The British leader believed that Britain, after Brexit, could still play a key role in collaborating on specific issues without being fully locked into the Union. He once said in 2016 that “bridging gaps is more productive than stalling outright.” The official mentioned that Johnson might even present the initiative as his own, depending on political coyness.
Why It Matters
With Russia’s aggression rattling Europe and Ukraine’s survival at stake, both France and the UK adopted a united front. By setting aside the sausage war and the submarine problem, they sent a clear message: the world’s biggest powers can set conflict as their priority and work together without letting old grudges derail progress.
In essence, the G7 summit was less about “who’s got the biggest dents in their cars” and more about saving lives. A refreshing shift that even silent observers noticed.
Source: Original News Article
