LONDON - UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosts European Union chiefs on Monday for a landmark summit designed to usher in a closer relationship between Britain and the bloc, five years after Brexit.
The meeting in London is expected to deliver the first results from Starmer's much-heralded "reset" of the UK's ties with its European neighbours following the rancour of the post-Brexit years.
On Saturday, Downing Street announced the Labour leader would be striking a deal for a "strengthened, forward-looking partnership" with the 27 EU members. Starmer said it would be "good for our jobs, good for our bills and good for our borders".
Talks were going down the wire to resolve squabbling over long-standing issues, including fishing rights and a youth mobility scheme, but negotiators were hopeful of at least signing a defence and security partnership.
It would mark a symbolic step in turning the page on the animosity that followed Britain's exit from the bloc in January 2020.
"There are still some details to resolve, but it's quite positive, and we're going to get there," said one European diplomat, who asked not to be named.
"There is a real willingness on the British side to move closer to the EU on economic issues."
Starmer, who came to power in last July's general elections, ousting the Conservative Party, wants a deeper relationship with the EU than the one painfully negotiated by the Tories.
But he has several red lines he has said he will not cross. Sticking points remain over some EU demands, and the Conservatives are already criticising the reset move as a "surrender".
If negotiators clear the final hurdles, then inking the "Security and Defence Partnership" will be the highlight of Monday's sit-down between Starmer and EU bosses Ursula von der Leyen, Antonio Costa and chief diplomat Kaja Kallas.
Two other documents are expected on Monday - a joint statement of European solidarity from the EU-UK leaders summit, and a Common Understanding which includes some measures to ease some Brexit trade barriers.