UK and EU Forge New Competition Cooperation Agreement in Brussels
In a significant diplomatic move, UK Business Secretary Peter Kyle and European Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera formally signed a new EU-UK competition cooperation agreement in Brussels on Thursday. The ceremony, marked by a handshake between the two officials, represents a concrete step toward strengthening post-Brexit economic relations between Britain and the European Union.
Public Pragmatism Over Nostalgia for Pre-Brexit Era
Speaking to reporters after the signing, Kyle emphasized that the British public demonstrates little nostalgia for the pre-Brexit past. Instead, he described voters as fundamentally pragmatic, focused on moving forward and "deepening" economic and trade ties with the European Union. "The public did vote for a government that had a reset with the EU as its core foreign policy in the election," Kyle stated. "So I think the public have always been looking forward and they're not really nostalgic for the past."
The business secretary characterized the new agreement as "a real vindication of the reset and the relationships that have emerged between the EU and the UK" since the Labour government assumed power. This pact specifically aligns UK and EU strategies on critical competition matters, including mergers and acquisitions, reflecting the increased frequency of dialogue between the two sides.
European Commission Welcomes Enhanced Cooperation
European Commission Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera expressed that signing the deal was "a privilege" and highlighted its role in "reinforcing the current good cooperation" with the United Kingdom. She underscored that the agreement contributes to strengthening the EU's resilience and reducing dependence on foreign nations, potentially boosting local employment and wealth creation across member states.
When questioned about potential UK participation in the forthcoming "Made in Europe" scheme—a French-led initiative prioritizing European products in public procurement—Ribera declined to provide specifics, humorously noting she does not do "spoilers." However, she personally affirmed her commitment to fostering "friendships, mutual cooperation and enhanced prosperity and fairness for all."
UK Seeks Broader Economic Engagement Beyond Current Framework
Peter Kyle clarified that his presence in Brussels was not about "demanding a slice of the action" but rather about active listening and collaboration. He pointed to existing successful partnerships, such as UK-EU cooperation on Airbus, as models for future engagement. Kyle openly criticized the Trade and Cooperation Agreement negotiated under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, describing it as "not comprehensive enough or ambitious enough." He argued that both the UK and EU face shared challenges that make improving this framework imperative.
Echoing this sentiment, EU Parliament President Roberta Metsola recently urged that the UK and EU must go "even further" than the current Brexit reset, suggesting ongoing momentum for deeper integration.
Parallel Developments in US Trade Relations
The Brussels agreement coincides with ongoing developments in UK-US trade relations. Kyle expressed hope for "clarity" from the US administration "in the coming days" regarding potential disruptions to a trade deal. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated intentions to maintain the 10% tariff arrangement secured with the UK, aiming to "recreate the policy that we've developed over the past year" to ensure continuity and enforceability.
This multifaceted diplomatic activity underscores the UK's strategic efforts to solidify and expand its international trade partnerships while navigating the complex legacy of Brexit. The competition cooperation agreement with the EU stands as a tangible symbol of this renewed, pragmatic approach to trans-European economic relations.
