US EditionEU Has 'Open Mind' on UK Customs Union Debate, Says Commissioner
European Commission signals openness to UK joining customs union and defence fund, which could reduce food checks and streamline trade, amid growing Labour support.
- On February 3, 2026, Valdis Dombrovskis, European Commissioner for Finance, said the EU is open to discussing a customs union with the UK after a Monday meeting with UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves, signaling readiness to engage.
- Amid growing global uncertainty, officials say renewed EU-UK engagement stems from the need to coordinate responses, with momentum beginning when Keir Starmer, Prime Minister, sought a reset in 2024.
- Brussels emphasised that a customs union would eliminate tariffs on some goods and aligning with EU sanitary and phytosanitary rules could end most food checks.
- A SAFE revival could allow Britain to fully participate in the EU's 90 billion loan, though the 35% supply limit for British firms remains a sticking point, and talks broke down last November.
- Ten years on from Brexit, rapprochement includes the Gibraltar deal and accelerating talks on customs and defence, but Labour's manifesto rules out rejoining the single market.
11 Articles
11 Articles
The European Commission is "ready to engage with an open mind" on strengthening trade relations with the United Kingdom, including the possibility of a customs union. European Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis told the BBC at a time of growing internal pressure within the Labour Party to revitalize ties with the EU. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is aiming for deeper economic ties with the single market, despite stating that the customs union…
No 10 says customs union still ‘red line’ after EU suggests bloc ‘open’ to talks
Downing Street has rejected the prospect of rejoining an EU customs union after an official from the bloc said Brussels would have an “open mind” to discussing it. European commissioner for finance Valdis Dombrovskis said the bloc was “ready to engage” if the UK wanted to explore such a move. He and European commissioner Maros […]
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
