The UK's EU relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds has ruled out the UK joining a pan-European customs agreement, after the EU's trade chief suggested it as a possibility as part of the ongoing 'reset' of relations between the country and the bloc.
According to the BBC, he said that, while he appreciates the "positive, constructive tone" of discussions with European partners, "we don't currently have any plans to join" the agreement and "we are not going to provide a running commentary on every comment that's made".
Maroš Šefčovič, the EU commissioner for trade, has suggested the UK could join the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM) customs agreement, which harmonises trade rules across European and North African nations.
His remarks came at an event at this week’s World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland. He stated that a "pan-European [customs] area is something we could consider" in ongoing discussions around the UK government’s desire to ‘reset’ the country’s relationship with Europe.
Harmonisation?
The BBC reports that Šefčovič added the plans were not "precisely formulated" by the UK government at present, and that the “ball is in the UK's court”. He also indicated some support for a veterinary agreement between the UK and EU, which he says would smooth trade in affected goods – that is, sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) goods.
Achieving this deal would require harmonisation of regulations on food, he noted:
“We would have to have the same rules, and we [would] have to upgrade them at the same time; we call it dynamic alignment.”
The UK’s agreement with the EU on fisheries is also due to expire in 2026, something Šefčovič said needed to be addressed:
“A solution for fisheries is very important for the EU; again, we communicated this on multiple occasions.”
Uniting Europe
The remarks from Šefčovič came as the presidents of France and Germany called for European unity in light of the return of US president Donald Trump.
As reported by Euronews yesterday, presidents Emmanuel Macron and Olaf Scholz said during a press conference at the Elysee Palace in France that their countries need to lead Europe in defending its own interests, as Trump makes moves towards protectionism.
Macron said:
“Now that the new administration has taken office in the [US], it is more important than ever for Europeans, and therefore for our two countries, to play their full part in consolidating a united, strong, and sovereign Europe.”
Scholz, meanwhile, highlighted that Trump’s administration could pose a “challenge”:
“This very week, we are dealing with a new US administration. It is already clear that President Trump will be a challenge.
"Our position is clear. Europe is a large economic area with around 450 million citizens. We are strong. We stand together. Europe will not duck and hide.”
Deficits and defence
At an event earlier this week after becoming president, Trump highlighted his country’s trade deficit with the EU, saying that “we have a [US]$350bn deficit with the [EU]. They treat us very, very badly, so they’re going to be in for tariffs.”
Industries including European steel, cars and chemicals came under discussion during Scholz’s visit to France, with both leaders stating that they viewed them as crucial to the EU’s economy – despite all three being potential targets for US tariffs.
Macron highlighted Franco-German cooperation on defence manufacturing as a particular example of European strength and said it is likely to become even more important in light of ongoing geopolitical challenges in Ukraine and the Middle East. He said it is crucial that Europe develops “its own industrial base, its own capacities, its own industry”.
Improving European defence manufacturing output may smooth relations with Trump too. The president has said that European allies are not contributing enough of their GDP to defence as part of NATO.
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