- Macron’s visit ‘served as a high-profile symbol of the reset in relations … following the strains of Brexit,’ says Rogelia Pastor-Castro, an expert on Franco-British relations
- Both countries are trying to re-establish themselves as ‘indispensable architects of European order,’ says Pastor-Castro
- Visit allowed UK to show ‘it still enjoys close relations with European neighbors despite Brexit,’ says politics lecturer Martin Steven
ISTANBUL
With military honors, marching bands and the Union Jack flying high, French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in London on July 8 for a rare and closely watched state visit – the first by an EU leader since Brexit and by a French president since 2008.
Carrying a message of a more secure, competitive and strategically autonomous Europe, he was welcomed by the British Royal Family.
During the three-day visit, rich with symbolism and substance, Macron addressed the UK Parliament, co-hosted the 37th Franco-British Summit with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and capped it off with a joint news conference where the two leaders unveiled sweeping agreements on migration, defense, and security.
The visit resulted in two major agreements: the Northwood Declaration on nuclear deterrence cooperation and the controversial “one in, one out” migration deal.
Analysts say the visit marked a deliberate reset in relations between London and Paris following years of post-Brexit strain, as well as a coordinated effort to reassert their influence in shaping European security and diplomacy.
“The visit served as a high-profile symbol of the reset in relations between France and the UK following the strains of Brexit,” Rogelia Pastor-Castro, an expert on Franco-British relations at the University of Strathclyde, told Anadolu.
Martin Steven, a senior lecturer at Lancaster University, echoed that view, saying the visit allowed the UK to “show that it still enjoys close relations with European neighbors despite Brexit.”
He also said the timing reflected growing urgency for cooperation between the two powers as a reaction to the foreign policy of US President Donald Trump.
“Europe and America’s relationship is evolving, and neither the UK nor France enjoy the same level of leverage in Washington at present as governments in states such as Italy, Poland and Hungary,” he said.
“So, there is a need for them to stick together much more than when (Joe) Biden or (Barack) Obama were in the White House.”
Pastor-Castro noted that both countries have grown increasingly wary of what they see as US ambivalence toward NATO and multilateral institutions. In response, London and Paris have sought to project unity and leadership on issues including Ukraine, Gaza, and climate policy through joint declarations and coordinated action.
“The visit fits squarely within a broader Franco-British strategy to re-establish both capitals as indispensable architects of European order at a time of deepening transatlantic uncertainty,” she added.
She said the visit underscored what is at stake if the two countries fail to cooperate, describing it as a “significant moment” in efforts to recalibrate ties across the Channel.
Northwood Declaration key step in bolstering European defense
Among the most consequential outcomes of the visit was the signing of the Northwood Declaration, the first formal political agreement for the UK and France to coordinate their nuclear forces in response to an extreme threat to Europe.
The two countries also agreed to expand their Combined Joint Expeditionary Force – a rapid deployment unit capable of operating across land, sea, air, cyber and space domains – from 10,000 to 50,000 troops.
“The Northwood Declaration’s provision for the first formal coordination of French and British nuclear forces represents a profound shift in bilateral defense relations, laying the groundwork for deeper integration, enhanced deterrence credibility, and a stronger European security posture,” said Pastor-Castro.
“It is a major step in strengthening continental security.”
She added that while the declaration advances Europe’s strategic autonomy, the final decision to use nuclear weapons remains with each nation.
Migration deal signals tentative cooperation after years of tension
The visit also produced a new UK-France migration agreement, referred to as the “one in, one out” deal. Under the plan, for every migrant who arrives illegally in the UK and is swiftly returned to France, another individual may be legally admitted to Britain, provided they have not previously attempted an illegal crossing.
So far in 2025, nearly 20,000 migrants crossed the English Channel from France aboard small boats – up nearly 50% from the same period last year.
Authorities have not yet indicated how many people could be affected, and several aspects of the deal remain unclear.
Still, the agreement marked a notable gesture of cooperation between the two countries. Pastor-Castro called it a “symbolic platform for UK-France collaboration,” though she cautioned that its narrow scope, legal uncertainties and risk of domestic backlash could limit its impact.
The plan has already drawn criticism from French politicians who argue it disproportionately benefits the UK while placing added pressure on French authorities and local communities.
While acknowledging those concerns, Pastor-Castro stressed the importance of viewing the deal in a broader diplomatic context.
“France may have conceded on issues of particular importance to the UK, just as the UK may have compromised elsewhere in the overall agreement,” she said.
She added that refining the deal’s legal safeguards, scaling up its implementation and ensuring adequate support for frontline regions would be crucial to its success.