Source: European Parliament
As indicated by the Honourable Member, trade relations between the EU and the United Kingdom (UK) pose different challenges following the latter’s withdrawal from the EU.
The trade relations between the EU and the UK are ruled by the provisions of the trade part of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement[1].
The Commission continuously monitors the correct application of the provisions of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement to ensure that the UK complies with its obligations under it, and regularly engages with the UK Government in the context of the institutional framework created by the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement to discuss any issue that may arise.
As stated in the EU’s Strategic Compass[2], cooperating with like-minded partners around the world, on a reciprocal basis, is essential for enhancing the EU’s resilience.
The President of the Commission, in her political guidelines[3], committed to strengthening cooperation with the UK on security issues. This matter will be discussed at an EU-UK summit, scheduled to take place on 19 May 2025.
The Trade and Cooperation Agreement, in its Part Six already provides for an efficient dispute settlement mechanism concerning the interpretation and application of the provisions of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
In relation to cooperation in defence, each additional legally binding instrument would need to also address the issue of possible dispute resolution.