The geoeconomic landscape: Britain’s role in a new Europe

The UK-European Union summit in May 2025 marked a turning point in the complex post-Brexit bilateral relationship, bringing a renewed focus on co-operation and the establishment of a strategic partnership, laying the groundwork for future negotiations.

During this lunchtime discussion, Mario Monti, former prime minister of Italy, and Lord Simon McDonald, former permanent under secretary and head of the diplomatic service at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, exchange views on Britain’s role in Europe, key areas of co-operation including trade and defence/security, relations with the US and other external challenges.

Proceedings are off the record to encourage open dialogue. The lunchtime discussion is in person in London, with a limited number of places available.

This session is part of a programme featuring speakers from across the public and private sectors, focusing on the geoeconomic landscape and the rapprochement between the UK, Germany and the EU. It culminates in a reception at the German Embassy to mark the publication of Can Europe Survive? The Story of a Continent in a Fractured World by David Marsh, chairman of OMFIF. Marsh will be joined by Joachim Nagel, president of Deutsche Bundesbank, to discuss the findings of his book.