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Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Capricorn Zodiac Compatibility: Their Best & Worst Matches
Capricorn Zodiac Compatibility: Their Best & Worst Matches originally appeared on Parade. Capricorn compatibility is more subtle and surprising than people realize. Ruled by Saturn (the planet of lessons, structure, and long-term vision), Capricorn is a cardinal earth sign: grounded, ambitious, loyal, and always playing the long game. Their energy is steady, determined, practical, and also magnetic. Capricorn isn't here for fleeting drama or empty promises… They're searching for realness, reliability, and growth that stands the test of time. Capricorn is woven with the tenth house of career, achievement, legacy, and public life. This sign has big dreams and the patience and determination to make them real. Capricorn energy is about integrity, loyalty, and slow-burning passion. They don't open up easily, but when they do, you get someone who is all-in: nurturing, committed, and deeply protective. If you want surface-level fun, look elsewhere. But if you're ready for the slow build and the richness of a bond that gets stronger with time, Capricorn is your person. Capricorn can be reserved, stubborn, and sometimes too hard on themselves or others. But that's because they love with intention. They want to build something lasting, something meaningful. Compatibility with Capricorn is about trust, patience, and showing up for each other, even when life gets tough. Aries Compatibility: How Does Aries Relate to Each Zodiac Sign? Taurus Compatibility: How Does Taurus Relate to Each Zodiac Sign? Gemini Compatibility: How Does Gemini Relate to Each Zodiac Sign? Cancer Compatibility: How The Star Sign Gets Along With Each Zodiac Leo Zodiac Compatibility: How The Star Sign Gets Along With Each Zodiac Virgo Compatibility: How The Star Sign Gets Along With Each Zodiac Libra Zodiac Compatibility: How The Star Sign Gets Along With Each Zodiac Scorpio Zodiac Compatibility: How The Star Sign Gets Along With Each Zodiac Sagittarius Zodiac Compatibility: How The Star Sign Gets Along With Each Zodiac As a lover, Capricorn is a slow burn, a bit guarded at first, but deeply sensual and loyal when trust is built. They want a relationship with real substance, built on honesty, shared goals, and mutual respect. With Cap, love is about commitment, devotion, and practical magic. They may not always show their feelings with words, but their actions say it all: they'll work hard to keep you safe and happy. Capricorn's love language is consistency, reliability, and showing up even in life's messiest moments. They're the partner who helps you build a life you're proud of. As a business partner, Capricorn is the strategist, the planner, and the one who turns vision into reality. They thrive in leadership roles, but also work quietly and steadily behind the scenes. Capricorn values efficiency, integrity, and results. They want to make a difference, build something that lasts, and leave a legacy. With Cap on your team, you get follow-through, accountability, and a relentless drive to reach your goals. The challenge? They can be workaholics or too cautious about risk so they do best with collaborators who bring fresh perspective and optimism. As a friend, Capricorn is the friend you can count on, no matter what. They're loyal, grounded, and always ready to give solid advice or a reality check. Cap shows their care through actions, not just words. They'll help you move, support your dreams, and stick around for the long haul. Friendship with Capricorn is all about trust, honesty, and a willingness to grow together. They're a safe haven in a storm, but also the friend who inspires you to dream bigger and do better. When it comes to sun sign compatibility, Capricorn feels most at ease with fellow earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) who share their practical approach to life, and with water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) who bring emotional depth and intuition. There's natural chemistry with Taurus and Virgo, deep loyalty with Cancer and Scorpio, and a sweet, healing vibe with Pisces. Capricorn's opposite (sister sign) is Cancer. Together, they balance ambition with nurturing, public achievement with private care, and teach each other how tobuild and feel. Cap's sextiles to Scorpio and Pisces create powerful alliances, while their trines to Taurus and Virgo bring mutual understanding and shared values. The biggest challenge for Cap? Fire and air signs, who may be too impulsive or flighty for Capricorn's comfort. But with openness and mutual respect, every pairing brings new possibilities and potential. As lovers, this pairing is 'power couple' energy. Aries brings passion and boldness, Capricorn brings structure and strategy. The attraction is strong, and both are ambitious. But there's potential for Aries to feel frustrated by Capricorn's caution, while Cap can feel overwhelmed by Aries's impulsiveness. If they respect each other's strengths (and don't get caught up in control battles), they can achieve pretty much anything together. When they're in sync, they're unstoppable and when out of sync, it's fireworks and silence in equal measure. As coworkers, Aries is the visionary and Capricorn is the executor. Aries sparks ideas and Cap figures out how to make them happen. If they communicate well, they're a dream team. The challenge? Aries can get bored with routine and Cap can get anxious with chaos so finding a middle ground is key. When they play to their strengths, they can turn bold plans into real results blending Aries' fearless creativity with Cap's steady follow-through. Their combined drive can achieve amazing things, as long as they stay open to each other's unique approaches. As friends, this is a 'push you to be your best self' duo. Aries can help Cap loosen up and take risks and Cap can help Aries slow down and plan for the future. There's plenty of laughter, friendly competition, and a mutual respect that grows with time. They cheer each other on, celebrate wins (big or small), and aren't afraid to challenge each other in the best way possible. They can create a friendship that's both dynamic and deeply grounding and always inspiring each other to reach higher. As lovers, this is a great connection built on trust, sensuality, and loyalty. Both are earth signs, they value stability, hard work, and creating a comfortable life. Capricorn is inspired by Taurus's warmth and steadfastness, while Taurus appreciates Cap's ambition and follow-through. This is the couple that can build a beautiful home, supports each other's dreams, and grows closer over time. The only danger? Stubbornness. Both can dig in their heels during conflict, but forgiveness and patience come naturally. As coworkers, they're a powerhouse team. Taurus brings creative ideas and consistency and Cap brings leadership and long-term planning. They work best in practical, grounded environments and are great at making dreams into reality. Their shared reliability means deadlines are met and goals are not just set, but surpassed. As friends, these two share a love of good food, real conversations, and slow, steady growth. Taurus can help Cap relax and savor the moment and Cap can inspireTaurus to aim higher. Their friendship is comforting, loyal, and drama-free and rooted in simple joys and trust that stands the test of time. As lovers, Gemini is playful and restless and Capricorn is focused and cautious. There's an initial intrigue: Gemini can love Cap's mysterious side, and Cap is charmed by Gemini's wit. But the differences can feel big. Gemini can desire constant change and stimulation and Cap values consistency and depth. If they learn to respect their differences (and don't try to change each other), it can be a relationship full of fun and spontaneity, and grounding and realness. But this pairing needs patience, communication, and lots of space to thrive. As coworkers, Gemini is the idea generator and Cap is the project manager. Together, they can innovate and execute but only if they appreciate each other's pace. Cap can get frustrated by Gemini's scattered focus, and Gemini may get bored with Cap's methodical approach. Yet, their different strengths can create dynamic solutions when they stay open to each other's insights. As friends, Gemini brings lightness and laughter, helping Cap not take life so seriously. Cap supports Gemini's wild plans and changes and provides a safe place to land, and Gemini can bring some more variety to Cap's life. This friendship can be full of good talks, surprising adventures, and lessons on both sides, teaching each other how to grow through both change and consistency. As lovers, this is the classic 'opposites attract' pairing as they are polarity signs in astrology. Capricorn brings security and ambition and Cancer brings nurturing and emotional depth. Capricorn feels safe to open up with Cancer's care, and Cancer feels supported by Cap's loyalty and drive. There's a natural balance between building a future and cherishing the present. If they avoid falling into old routines or taking each other for granted, this bond is sweet, healing, and long-lasting. As coworkers, Cancer brings empathy and intuition and Cap brings focus and discipline. Together, they're unstoppable in roles that require care, planning, or leadership. Cancer brings out Cap's softer side, while Cap empowers Cancer to bring their visions to life. Their unique balance turns ordinary teamwork into a supportive, motivated community. As friends, Cancer is the one who checks in and remembers birthdays and Cap is the one who gives wise advice and shows up when it counts. This is a friendship of deep loyalty, honest support, and a lot of heart. They definitely can be on the same wavelength! Their connection is often lifelong, weathering any storm and celebrating every victory side by side. As lovers, Leo brings sparkle and joy and Capricorn brings substance and direction. There's mutual admiration. Cap loves Leo's confidence and Leo is drawn to Cap's strength. Together, they're capable of building a beautiful, lasting relationship if they respect each other's style. A challenge? Sometimes Cap prefers a low-key vibe, while Leo loves to turn up the sparkle. But when they meet in the middle, the result is passion, partnership, and plenty of celebration. As coworkers, Leo wants to lead and be recognized and Cap wants results and efficiency. They're both determined, and together they can achieve great things especially in creative or leadership roles. But if ego clashes or competition get in the way, things can get messy. When they're in sync, their combined energy is magnetic and inspiring for everyone around them. As friends, Leo can helps Cap enjoy life and celebrate their wins, while Cap can help Leo set goals and stay grounded. They can push each other out of comfort zones, and there's always a story to tell. Their adventures are the stuff of legend, mixing laughter, loyalty, and a mutual desire to see the other shine. As lovers, this is an earth-sign dream team. Both are practical, loyal, and thoughtful, with a shared love for growth and improvement. Capricorn is inspired by Virgo's intelligence and devotion, while Virgo feels safe with Cap's steady presence. Their relationship is about small gestures, support, and building a life that matters. If they avoid nitpicking or getting stuck in routines, this love grows deeper every year. As coworkers, these two can accomplish literally anything! Virgo handles the details, Cap sets the goals, and achievement often follows. There's mutual respect and a shared commitment to excellence. Together, they create lasting success. Their methodical teamwork means every project benefits from both vision and precision. As friends, these two are a great match. Virgo and Cap are each other's confidantes, advisers, and sounding boards. They share honest advice, long talks, and a love of learning. This friendship is grounding, reliable, and endlessly supportive, always helping each other find practical solutions to life's challenges. As lovers, Libra brings charm, romance, and a sense of fun and Cap brings depth, loyalty, and a long-term view. Libra is drawn to Cap's stability, while Cap is enchanted by Libra's grace. Together, they can balance each other beautifully, but may struggle with decision-making as Libra can tend to be indecisive and Cap is sometimes rigid. If they learn to communicate and compromise, this pairing can work! They'll need to avoid passive-aggressive tension and keep things fresh. As coworkers, Libra excels at partnership and diplomacy and Cap handles strategy and execution. They complement each other in creative or people-centered roles. If they focus on strengths, they make an unstoppable team. Their different talents bring harmony and balance to the workspace, making every goal feel achievable. As friends, Libra helps Cap socialize and have fun, while Cap encourages Libra to go after their dreams. It can be a good mix of lightness and groundedness. Their friendship is warm, inspiring, and full of mutual respect. Together, they bring out the best in each other, supporting personal growth and new experiences. As lovers, this pairing is intense, powerful, and deeply loyal. They can be a great match as both are private, passionate, and committed to building a real partnership (It's giving: power couple). Capricorn admires Scorpio's depth and Scorpio values Cap's strength and integrity. Together, they create a bond that's fiercely protective and slow to fade. The challenge is learning to let go of control as both can be stubborn, but when they trust each other, it's unbreakable. As coworkers, they need to be on the same page and work really well together. Scorpio sees the hidden angles, and Cap builds the plan. They excel in high-stakes, confidential, or transformative work. Honesty and shared goals help them to succeed but if egos clash, tension can build. When they're in sync, their results are powerful and often ahead of the curve. As friends, these two get along well! They share secrets, wild ideas, and have an unspoken understanding. Cap can help Scorpio channel their intensity, and Scorpio can help Cap face their own emotions. This friendship is safe, strong, and full of shared growth, marked by loyalty and the ability to weather life's storms together. As lovers, Sagittarius is free-spirited and adventurous and Capricorn is loyal and grounded. This is a classic 'opposites attract' scenario as Sag inspires Cap to have more fun, while Cap helps Sag focus and build something real. The challenge is respecting each other's differences. Cap may feel Sag is too unpredictable at times, while Sag may see Cap as too rigid. If they compromise, this relationship can be full of growth, laughter, and real magic. As coworkers, Sag brings energy and vision and Cap brings order and follow-through. They can be a powerful duo in a work scenario, as long as they communicate and respect each other's styles. Their partnership blends enthusiasm with practicality, helping every idea get off the ground and across the finish line. As friends, this is one balancing each other out. Sag encourages Cap to let loose, while Cap gives Sag a safe landing spot. Their friendship can be full of travel, new experiences, and meaningful support. When they stay open to each other they can complement each other beautifully, making life richer, more interesting, and a little less predictable. As lovers, this duo oozes success. This is the slow-burn, power couple connection. Both are cautious, driven, and loyal, so trust takes time but grows deep. They understand each other's ambitions and challenges, and together, they build a partnership rooted in respect and shared goals. If they avoid getting too serious or work-obsessed, they can have a relationship that's both powerful and nurturing. As coworkers, two Caps can accomplish anything they set their minds to. Truly. They can be unstoppable. There can be a risk for some competition, but more often, there's collaboration and shared vision. They create lasting success and set a high standard for everyone around them. Their combined drive can be inspiring, and together they build foundations that last. As friends, Capricorns really understand each other, vibe with each other, and are there for each other through thick and thin, with honest advice and steady support. They can have a friendship that stands the test of time (it's not unusual for them to keep the same friends for most of their lives), offering strength and stability that few other bonds can match. They are solid besties for sure! As lovers, Cap and Aquarius is an interesting pairing. Aquarius brings innovation, originality, and surprise and Capricorn brings tradition, grounding, and commitment. This match can truly be fascinating! Cap loves Aquarius's unique ideas, while Aquarius admires Cap's drive. The challenge is balancing tradition and change. Cap may find Aquarius unpredictable, while Aquarius may see Cap as too rigid. If they value each other's gifts, this relationship can be unconventional, passionate, and full of mutual growth. As coworkers, they can jive. Aquarius is the innovator and Cap is the implementer. Both signs are traditionally ruled by Saturn and can be disciplined. Together, they can spark change and bring new ideas to life, especially in creative or tech-focused fields. Their combined strengths can help those they work with think outside the box while keeping progress on track. As friends, these two can find common ground on things that excite them and enjoy each other's company. Aquarius inspires Cap to try new things, while Cap helps Aquarius turn visions into reality. Their friendship is weird, wonderful, and always evolving. Together, they prove that even the most unlikely pairings can create the most memorable journeys. As lovers, these two keep dreams at the center. In the relationship, Pisces can bring compassion, magic, and emotional healing and Capricorn offers safety, loyalty, and practical support. Together, they can blend dreams with reality and find strength in their differences. Cap can help Pisces stay grounded, while Pisces can help Cap open their heart. Their bond can be gentle, forgiving, and grows stronger over time, unless Cap becomes too closed off or Pisces too escapist. As coworkers, it's about being on the same page. Pisces is creative and intuitive, Cap is organized and determined. Together, they create beauty and success, especially in healing or artistic fields. Their partnership is marked by kindness, patience, and a shared dedication to helping others thrive. As friends, the two can have a lot of fun if the stay open and go with the flow. Pisces can support Cap through the hard times, and Cap can help Pisces feel safe and understood. Their friendship can be soulful, healing, and lasting, a sanctuary for both hearts, full of compassion and quiet magic. Capricorn Zodiac Compatibility: Their Best & Worst Matches first appeared on Parade on Jul 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Telegraph
17-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Telegraph
Dating for professionals: expert advice
If you're a busy professional it can be difficult to make time for your friends, family and hobbies – let alone the dating scene. Maintaining a successful career often goes hand-in-hand with long hours, travel, and taking your work home at the end of the day. With all that to contend with, the prospect of finding love might seem unlikely. Here's the good news – modern dating is a lot simpler than it used to be. Back in the day, we may have relied on meeting other single people at social occasions or getting our friends to set us up on blind dates. This could sometimes feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Today, the popularity of online dating sites has made dating for professionals a much more convenient process. With so many people logging on to find love, you can now find lots of working singles at the touch of a button. Here's how to join them. 1. Sign up to a dating site for professionals The best place to start your search for romance is the internet. Today, online dating is ubiquitous. Approximately 10 per cent of heterosexual people met their long-term partner online, according to Pew Research Center. The key to getting online dating right is to choose a site or app that is tailored to your needs, rather than downloading the first one you come across. Sites and apps that offer online dating for professionals can be tailored towards numerous factors. Some focus on education or political views, while others are devoted to facilitating long-term relationships to help you find your soulmate. The best dating websites for professional singles are designed to make your life easier. On Telegraph Dating, the hard work is done for you via a two-way matching system. The criteria you've listed on your profile is used to search for potential partners, displaying them on your 'My Ideal Match' page if their criteria matches your personality and background. While the service is available to anyone over 18, many members have found this a helpful dating site for professionals over 50. 2. Create the perfect profile Your online dating profile shouldn't be something you dash off while you're taking your tea break. Wait until you have a free evening or weekend and really get stuck in. List your interests, describe your lifestyle, and – most importantly – be realistic about what you're looking for and what you can offer. Whether you're an ambitious go-getter seeking something casual and fun, or a busy CEO looking to make more time for a serious relationship, be upfront and honest. The same goes for any personality tests or questionnaires that you end up filling out. Photo-wise, always aim to use something taken recently where your face is clearly displayed (preferably a solo rather than a group shot). If you can't find a good photo, enlist a trusted friend to come round and take some flattering shots. 3. Make time for your profile every day Once you've set up your online dating profile don't let it gather dust. If you're serious about meeting someone you'll want to visit your account at least once a day, using your free time to check out your suggested matches, browse other members' profiles, reply to messages, and initiate conversations. The good news is that you can easily fit this task around your work commitments – the odd five or 10 minutes here and there at lunch, on your commute, or at home in front of the TV will do 4. Look for someone with a compatible lifestyle When you're checking out other profiles, consider how well your two lives might mesh. Even if you're using a service that suggests potential matches, you'll want to be judicious about who you end up messaging. Let's say a suggested profile ticks every box when it comes to looks, interests and sense of humour – but their working hours or family commitments would limit the time you have together as a couple. In this instance, initiating a conversation could be a waste of time. 5. Don't rush in There's no harm in choosing your matches carefully. As a busy professional, time is precious, so you don't want to find yourself sitting through too many fruitless dates. Make sure you read someone's profile thoroughly before you agree to meet in person. There may be information towards the end of their profile that rules them out as a potential partner. Finding out that information on a first date is a waste of your time and theirs. Being selective is not the same as being fussy. 6. If online dating doesn't work out, try a professional matchmaker or dating agency Online dating is highly popular among modern professionals – but it doesn't work for everyone. The good news is that there's another service that won't encroach on your working life: a professional dating agency. Professional matchmaking has come a long way since its early days. Typically these services offer an initial consultation, after which your matchmaker begins the process of looking for matches and setting up dates. Often these services offer one-on-one coaching, with your personal matchmaker on hand to chat and give advice before dates. High net worth individuals often use matchmaking services as an efficient and discreet way to seek romance. As the consultation process is so rigorous, the associated rates can be costly. However, it can be an ideal option for those with money to spend. 7. Commit to proper dates Whether you've been set up via a matchmaker, or you've found someone special on a dating app, the next step is meeting in real life. As a professional with a busy schedule you might find it difficult to make time for dates, but it's vital that you do. Plan ahead and make sure you set aside an afternoon or evening with no work commitments. Gaps in your diary may be scarce, but there's no point putting yourself out there if you're not willing to invest some of your free time. When you're on a date, make sure you don't check your phone every 10 seconds. Put it on silent, stick it in your pocket, and don't take it out again until you've parted ways (or at least until they've popped to the loo). Work emails can wait! 8. Make the most of the smaller moments When one or both people in a relationship are busy at work it can be hard to coordinate schedules. You should continue to make time for proper dates, planning ahead to make sure you have free evenings and weekends whenever possible. If things go well and you develop a relationship, remember that a little compromise will be needed. If you want to successfully juggle career commitments and home life you'll need to work together. It's important that you try to enjoy the little moments. If you're both booked solid for a week, try to snatch short periods of time to spend together – whether it's enjoying a short coffee break on a Saturday morning, or getting together for a quick lunch in the week. Quality time doesn't have to mean spending hours together, especially when you're both career-oriented. If you are both hard-working and ambitious, you may see eye to eye.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
No sequins or dancing at EU summit - but it'll be an extravaganza nonetheless
Stand by for a dazzling European event. Cameras everywhere. Famous faces. Red carpets. No, not Eurovision in all its noisy glory, but the first European summit of what the prime minister hopes will be a new era, where governments around the continent concentrate not on instant verdicts – douze points or nul points – but on creating long-term relationships that make life easier. The UK is hoping to show that just as you don't have to be European to enjoy Eurovision, you don't have to be in the European Union (EU) to get some of the benefits of the club. Expectations of Monday's summit are high. One minister joked they hope you'll "Remember Monday" – get it? It's a moment to fix what they consider were the mistakes of Boris Johnson's Brexit deal. It's the first formal summit for European leaders since Brexit, and Downing Street is going for the full extravaganza: the grandeur of London's Lancaster House, a warship brought up the Thames to be shown off and used as a lunch venue, then, it's hoped, even a press conference in the Downing Street Rose Garden. "It's clearly designed for the telly – everyone will be there apart from the King and Paddington Bear," said a diplomatic source about the plans. The atmosphere is entirely different to the last time the UK and the EU circled each other at a formal summit. The two main negotiators – Nick Thomas-Symonds for the UK, who'll join us in the studio on Sunday, and the EU's Maros Sefcovic – have struck a friendly partnership, sinking wine (Slovakian reds) and whisky (Welsh). What's the actual point of the summit? In private, government insiders are not expecting a giant whizz-bang new deal with our closest trading partners. The public gave Labour permission to improve the existing Brexit agreement in the general election but not totally rewrite it, and the EU doesn't have the mandate from its members to draft something totally new either. Be on guard for any declarations of a heroic or profound shift. But it's a significant moment nonetheless, after all those years of bitterness and brinkmanship, and the government hopes there will be meaningful agreements, particularly on defence, opening up billions of euros to UK firms, and tidying up some of the existing cooperation between the UK and EU countries on security. Expect an easing of the admin hassles Brexit created for farmers and the food industry – sanitary and phytosanitary arrangements, or SPS to use the horrendous jargon. There will be important commitments – diplomatic language at least – on energy, on migration, agriculture, on data sharing, the list goes on. My colleague Damian Grammaticas has taken a closer look at some of the issues here. Fishing shouldn't block defence pact, says EU chief UK edges towards youth visa deal with EU Long-awaited EU border system expected for October In the classic tradition of UK-EU negotiations, though, there is heavy briefing from sources on both sides that it's "going to the wire". Will there be a deal to allow young Brits and EU citizens to live and work more easily in each other's countries? As I write I'm told only an "agreement in principle", not the real final deal, will be ready for Monday. The EU was pushing for stays as long as four years to be allowed, the UK not contemplating more than one or two. Will the French (who sources are referring to when they talk diplomatically about "coastal states") relent on demands for more protection for their fishing fleets in return for giving the UK the kind of favours it wants? "The French have been trying to link fish to lots of things," a source close to the talks says – it might be five years since we left the EU, but maybe the more things change, the more things stay the same. Indeed, just like on so many occasions during the Brexit wrangles, as we go on air this weekend, EU ambassadors will be gathering at their COREPER (Comité des représentants permanents) meeting to go through the agreement. Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. And even then, agreements in principle will leave many details to be hammered out in the weeks and months to come. For the UK government, agreement of any sort means "we'll have scored the hat trick", says one minister. No one in government would dream that Monday will mean an end to their domestic woes, but a trade deal with India, an agreement with the US, and then the EU gives evidence of progress, and insiders hope it could build on a sense that Starmer's operation and the economy has picked up some pace. Sign up for the Off Air with Laura K newsletter to get Laura Kuenssberg's expert insight and insider stories every week, emailed directly to you. "It's not just about the footnotes of a trade agreement – it's also about the vibes," says a government source. Put three deals together with better growth figures last week and maybe, just maybe, the doom generated in part by Downing Street itself is fading. But not so fast! It will be imperative to look at the footnotes of any text that emerges on Monday. Cash and the power of the EU courts were both toxic issues during the Brexit era – so what extra cash might the UK be asked to contribute if it's joining in with some EU schemes? Access won't come for free, though I'm told the UK would not contribute to the overall EU budget. And to what extent will the UK be expected to accept authority of EU rules? There are clear political sensitivities around any sense the government is giving too much back to Brussels. Ministers hope to be able to outline extra cooperation to combat illegal migration, and to present the changes as practical measures to make the existing arrangements work better: not the kind of deal that would excite Remainers' hearts, nor anger Brexiteers. Keir Starmer's promise of a "reset" with the EU may not quicken the pulse, but his team hopes that it will be "another delivery moment" – in other words, another chance for them to say to a cynical and obviously disappointed public: look, we said we'd get a more sensible deal with the EU after all that Brexit hassle, and that's what we've done. The irony is that the man who was once seen as Labour's Remainer-in-Chief is now, as prime minister, trying to fill in the blanks and smooth the many wrinkles of the Conservatives' original Brexit deal. "It might be a broken record," says a diplomatic source, "but at least they are trying to fix it". Monday might not have the sequins and screeching choruses of tonight's Eurovision, the inexplicable dance routines or pyrotechnics, but it will be a show no less. The source adds: "Maybe it will be Starmer who will drive some sort of Humvee that says 'got Brexit done' on the side." Is Britain really inching back towards the EU? Sir John Curtice: The map that shows Reform's triumph was much more than a protest vote Labour to unveil big immigration plans next week - but will they win back votes? BBC InDepth is the home on the website and app for the best analysis, with fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions and deep reporting on the biggest issues of the day. And we showcase thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. You can send us your feedback on the InDepth section by clicking on the button below.
BBC News
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Laura Kuenssberg on UK-EU summit: What to expect on trade, immigration and defence
Stand by for a dazzling European event. Cameras everywhere. Famous faces. Red not Eurovision in all its noisy glory, but the first European summit of what the prime minister hopes will be a new era, where governments around the continent concentrate not on instant verdicts – douze points or nul points – but on creating long-term relationships that make life UK is hoping to show that just as you don't have to be European to enjoy Eurovision, you don't have to be in the European Union (EU) to get some of the benefits of the of Monday's summit are high. One minister joked they hope you'll "Remember Monday" – get it? It's a moment to fix what they consider were the mistakes of Boris Johnson's Brexit the first formal summit for European leaders since Brexit, and Downing Street is going for the full extravaganza: the grandeur of London's Lancaster House, a warship brought up the Thames to be shown off and used as a lunch venue, then, it's hoped, even a press conference in the Downing Street Rose Garden. "It's clearly designed for the telly – everyone will be there apart from the King and Paddington Bear," said a diplomatic source about the atmosphere is entirely different to the last time the UK and the EU circled each other at a formal summit. The two main negotiators – Nick Thomas-Symonds for the UK, who'll join us in the studio on Sunday, and the EU's Maros Sefcovic – have struck a friendly partnership, sinking wine (Slovakian reds) and whisky (Welsh).What's the actual point of the summit? In private, government insiders are not expecting a giant whizz-bang new deal with our closest trading partners. The public gave Labour permission to improve the existing Brexit agreement in the general election but not totally rewrite it, and the EU doesn't have the mandate from its members to draft something totally new either. Be on guard for any declarations of a heroic or profound shift. But it's a significant moment nonetheless, after all those years of bitterness and brinkmanship, and the government hopes there will be meaningful agreements, particularly on defence, opening up billions of euros to UK firms, and tidying up some of the existing cooperation between the UK and EU countries on an easing of the admin hassles Brexit created for farmers and the food industry – sanitary and phytosanitary arrangements, or SPS to use the horrendous will be important commitments – diplomatic language at least – on energy, on migration, agriculture, on data sharing, the list goes on. My colleague Damian Grammaticas has taken a closer look at some of the issues here. In the classic tradition of UK-EU negotiations, though, there is heavy briefing from sources on both sides that it's "going to the wire". Will there be a deal to allow young Brits and EU citizens to live and work more easily in each other's countries? As I write I'm told only an "agreement in principle", not the real final deal, will be ready for Monday. The EU was pushing for stays as long as four years to be allowed, the UK not contemplating more than one or the French (who sources are referring to when they talk diplomatically about "coastal states") relent on demands for more protection for their fishing fleets in return for giving the UK the kind of favours it wants? "The French have been trying to link fish to lots of things," a source close to the talks says – it might be five years since we left the EU, but maybe the more things change, the more things stay the same. Indeed, just like on so many occasions during the Brexit wrangles, as we go on air this weekend, EU ambassadors will be gathering at their COREPER (Comité des représentants permanents) meeting to go through the agreement. Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. And even then, agreements in principle will leave many details to be hammered out in the weeks and months to the UK government, agreement of any sort means "we'll have scored the hat trick", says one minister. No one in government would dream that Monday will mean an end to their domestic woes, but a trade deal with India, an agreement with the US, and then the EU gives evidence of progress, and insiders hope it could build on a sense that Starmer's operation and the economy has picked up some pace. Sign up for the Off Air with Laura K newsletter to get Laura Kuenssberg's expert insight and insider stories every week, emailed directly to you. "It's not just about the footnotes of a trade agreement – it's also about the vibes," says a government source. Put three deals together with better growth figures last week and maybe, just maybe, the doom generated in part by Downing Street itself is not so fast! It will be imperative to look at the footnotes of any text that emerges on Monday. Cash and the power of the EU courts were both toxic issues during the Brexit era – so what extra cash might the UK be asked to contribute if it's joining in with some EU schemes? Access won't come for free, though I'm told the UK would not contribute to the overall EU budget. And to what extent will the UK be expected to accept authority of EU rules?There are clear political sensitivities around any sense the government is giving too much back to Brussels. Ministers hope to be able to outline extra cooperation to combat illegal migration, and to present the changes as practical measures to make the existing arrangements work better: not the kind of deal that would excite Remainers' hearts, nor anger Brexiteers. Keir Starmer's promise of a "reset" with the EU may not quicken the pulse, but his team hopes that it will be "another delivery moment" – in other words, another chance for them to say to a cynical and obviously disappointed public: look, we said we'd get a more sensible deal with the EU after all that Brexit hassle, and that's what we've irony is that the man who was once seen as Labour's Remainer-in-Chief is now, as prime minister, trying to fill in the blanks and smooth the many wrinkles of the Conservatives' original Brexit deal. "It might be a broken record," says a diplomatic source, "but at least they are trying to fix it".Monday might not have the sequins and screeching choruses of tonight's Eurovision, the inexplicable dance routines or pyrotechnics, but it will be a show no less. The source adds: "Maybe it will be Starmer who will drive some sort of Humvee that says 'got Brexit done' on the side." BBC InDepth is the home on the website and app for the best analysis, with fresh perspectives that challenge assumptions and deep reporting on the biggest issues of the day. And we showcase thought-provoking content from across BBC Sounds and iPlayer too. You can send us your feedback on the InDepth section by clicking on the button below.
