🇪🇺🤝 EU and UK explore customs union talks amid shifting political landscape

Oneliner

The EU has expressed a willingness to discuss a customs union with the UK, a significant shift in post-Brexit relations. Valdis Dombrovskis, the EU's Economy Commissioner, indicated this openness during meetings with UK ministers, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Labour leader Keir Starmer is advocating for deeper economic ties with the EU, aiming to reconnect the UK with Europe through sectoral agreements. However, a customs union could complicate existing trade deals with non-EU countries. Ongoing discussions also include a veterinary agreement and youth exchange programs.

Key points

• EU expresses openness to discuss a customs union with the UK.
• Keir Starmer aims for deeper economic ties with the EU, signaling a shift in UK policy.
• Potential customs union could impact existing UK trade agreements with non-EU countries.
• Ongoing discussions include sectoral agreements and a veterinary pact.

Links

• BFMTV: Keir Starmer veut "aller plus loin" avec l'Europe: après des accords sur l'agriculture, l'électricité et maintenant la défense, le Royaume-Uni peut-il envisager un "Breturn" 10 ans après le Brexit?
• The Guardian: EU has 'open mind' on UK customs union talks, says official
• ANSA: Dombrovskis alla Bbc, 'Ue aperta a discutere di unione doganale con Gb' - Europa - Ansa.it
• BFMTV: Malgré les réticences de la France, le Royaume-Uni n'abandonne pas l'idée de participer au programme de réarmement européen
• Euronews: EU, UK to ramp up talks on closer ties 10 years after Brexit vote
• Politico: EU parliament chief calls for ‘exorcism’ of ghosts in UK ties

Facts

• Valdis Dombrovskis stated the EU is 'open-minded' about customs union discussions.
• Keir Starmer is pushing for deeper economic integration with the EU.
• A customs union could affect UK trade agreements with countries like India and Australia.
• Ongoing talks include a veterinary agreement and youth exchange program.

Quotes

• The EU is ready to engage with an open mind — Valdis Dombrovskis
• We should look to see whether we can’t make more progress — Keir Starmer

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