Thu, 23 Jan 2025

EU 'could consider' UK joining pan-Europe customs area

The UK re-joining the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention is up for discussion in reset talks, says Maros Sefcovic.

* Maros Sefcovic, the new European Union trade chief, suggests that a "pan-European customs area" could be considered as part of post-Brexit negotiations with the UK.
* This idea involves the UK joining the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM), which allows for tariff-free trade in goods from dozens of countries.
* The PEM plan is being explored by some British businesses, who believe it will help cut red tape and improve trade.
* Sefcovic says the "ball is in the UK's court" on this issue and that no final decision has been made yet.
* The EU-UK fisheries deal is due to expire next year, and Sefcovic emphasizes the need for a solution.
* He also notes that single market treatment for UK food and farm exports would require dynamic alignment with EU rules.
* Sefcovic expresses surprise at how the European Commission's offer on youth exchanges has been "spun" by some parties.
* Relations between the EU and the UK are improving, according to Sefcovic, who notes that British counterpart Nick Thomas-Symonds is "on speed dial".
* The EU will be cautious in addressing trade with the Trump administration in Washington but is willing to negotiate.
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