Politics · United Kingdom · 9 hrs ago
UK seeks access to EU “Made in Europe” rules
Andy Burnham is expected to discuss closer UK-EU ties at a summit later this month with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The talks are part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s plan to reset relations with the EU, with cooperation also proposed on agricultural trade, youth mobility and carbon emissions.
The EU’s proposed “Made in Europe” rules would favor businesses in its single market in public procurement, partly in response to competition from China.
Since Brexit, the UK has been outside the single market, and its industries could be disadvantaged by the new rules.
Britain wants recognition as a trusted partner, but that status would have to be negotiated.
Without an agreement, UK carmakers and other industries could face new trade barriers.
The talks will test how far Britain can strengthen its economic ties with the EU without rejoining the single market or customs union.
The UK is seeking accommodation within the EU’s proposed “Made in Europe” rules to limit new trade barriers for British industries.
The rules would use public procurement to favour industries in the single market over businesses outside it.
Andy Burnham is expected to complete a treaty with the EU later this month covering closer cooperation in several areas.
The treaty agenda includes reducing customs barriers for agricultural goods, a youth-mobility programme and integration with the EU carbon emissions trading scheme.
Any access for the UK will require hard bargaining, and the source says the country may be recognised as a “trusted partner”.
- Who
- The UK, with Andy Burnham seeking an accommodation with the EU.
- What
- The UK is seeking access to the EU’s proposed “Made in Europe” rules.
- When
- Later this month, Burnham is expected to complete a treaty with the EU.
- Where
- In negotiations with the EU.
- Why
- The rules could disadvantage businesses outside the single market and create new trade barriers for British industries.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Discussions between the UK and the EU have covered closer cooperation.
Keir Starmer set the agenda for closer UK-EU relations.
Burnham has pledged to move further and faster towards closer ties.
Burnham is expected to complete a treaty with the EU.
- Proposed rules
- Industrial Accelerator Act, commonly called “Made in Europe
- Expected treaty
- Later this month
- Treaty topics
- Agricultural customs barriers, youth mobility and carbon emissions trading
- Possible UK status
- Trusted partner