The return of Trump to the White House is bringing Europe and the UK closer together.

• Rachel Reeves, the U.K. Chancellor, journeyed to Brussels on Monday for a meeting with her EU counterparts, marking the first such gathering since Britain exited the European Union.
• One EU official, who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, shared with CNBC that there was a broad consensus among attendees of the meeting with the U.K.'s chancellor that, despite the global chaos, we still share common interests and values.
• Reeves stated before her meetings that Britain and the EU can collaborate more in three areas: supporting Ukraine, promoting free trade, and enhancing bilateral economic partnerships.

The U.K. and European Union are preparing to cooperate more closely in order to safeguard themselves from potential trade and defense conflicts with President-elect Donald Trump.

On Monday, U.K. Chancellor Rachel Reeves journeyed to Brussels to meet with her EU counterparts for the first time since Britain exited the European Union in 2020. Eurogroup President Paschal Donohoe expressed hope that this would be the start of multiple meetings.

One EU official, who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, shared with CNBC that there was a broad consensus among attendees of the meeting with the U.K.'s chancellor that, despite the global chaos, we still share common interests and values.

The official stated that the shared values are relevant to Ukraine, China, and the U.S.

Reeves and her colleagues did not reveal specifics about the Brussels talks, but prior to her meetings, they stated that there are three areas where Britain and the EU can enhance cooperation: aid for Ukraine, promoting free trade, and enhancing bilateral economic ties.

A few meetings have been scheduled to discuss these topics, but the overall progress of the conversations is yet to be determined.

Keir Starmer, the U.K. Prime Minister, is currently conducting his own talks with the EU in the short term. He is scheduled to meet with European Council President Antonio Costa this Thursday and is expected to attend a meeting of EU heads of state in early 2025.

A senior EU diplomat, who wished to remain anonymous due to the confidentiality of the negotiations, stated to CNBC that the bloc could benefit from having a closer relationship with the U.K. because of Britain's historical "special relationship" with the United States. This perspective is in contrast to the U.S. president-elect's comments about potentially imposing tariffs on European countries and reducing Washington's support for Ukraine. Trump previously stated on Meet the Press that he would "probably" reduce such aid.

Ignacio García Bercero, a non-resident fellow for the Bruegel think tank and former chief negotiator for the EU in trade talks with the United States, stated that the EU must take into account its relationship with the U.K. when dealing with potential protectionism from the U.S.

It is crucial for the U.K. and the European Union to have a strategic discussion about these issues before approaching the United States. We will ensure that our approach is coherent and does not create any problems when resetting relations with the U.K.

The new Labour government in the U.K. aims to mend ties with the EU and put an end to the tumultuous years following the Brexit vote, which were caused by complex negotiations.

In Brussels, Chancellor Reeves stated that she did not arrive to initiate negotiations or present demands, but her goal was to mend the fractured trust that has occurred in the past few years. She added that conversations about resetting and negotiations will commence in the new year.

She clarified that her negotiations were not aimed at rejoining the EU or altering Britain's exit agreements.