Monika Brusenbauch Meislová spent three packed days in London, speaking at a trio of high-level events exploring the future of UK–EU relations

In late May 2025, Monika Brusenbauch Meislová spent three packed and thought-provoking days in London, speaking at a trio of high-level events exploring the future of UK–EU relations.

She kicked off her visit at the German Business Centre with the “The UK–German Relationship: Taking Stock at the Start of a New Era” roundtable, co-organised by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, the Aston Centre for Europe and the Independent Commission on UK–EU Relations. The discussion brought together academics and policy experts to reflect on how the bilateral relationship is evolving in today’s shifting European landscape.

The following day, she took part in the major conference “The Starmer Government and Europe: Resetting Relations in Turbulent Times” at the British Academy, hosted by the ESRC’s UK in a Changing Europe initiative. With participants from across Europe, the event explored how UK–EU relations have changed since the July 2024 general election — and where they might be heading. Highlights included keynote speeches by His Excellency Pedro Serrano, EU Ambassador to the UK, and Iain Gill, Deputy Head of the EU External Department at the FCDO, as well as a series of expert panels featuring prominent scholars from across Europe.

Monika rounded off her visit at Birkbeck, University of London, joining colleagues for a publication workshop focused on shaping future research outputs.

It was an energising and inspiring trip — full of stimulating debate, valuable reconnections, and, of course, a steady stream of British tea.