The U.K. and EU are taking steps to strengthen ties amid concerns over U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's potential trade and defense policies. U.K. Chancellor Rachel Reeves met EU counterparts in Brussels. Discussions focused on shared interests such as Ukraine support, free trade, and economic partnerships. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to meet European Council President Antonio Costa and attend EU summits in 2025. Reeves emphasized trust-building over rejoining the EU or renegotiating Brexit terms.