Key facts
- Jukka Salovaara, the new EU ambassador to the UK, described his role as a facilitator.
- Salovaara stated that the EU is ready to engage with the UK on its future relationship.
- The UK must first define its own options for its relationship with the EU.
- The UK has proposed 50,000 places for a youth experience scheme, while the EU is seeking 150,000.
- The EU is considering models such as associate membership for the UK's future relationship.
Jukka Salovaara, the newly appointed European Union ambassador to the UK, has indicated that Brussels is prepared to engage with the UK on its future relationship with the bloc, provided the UK first defines its own options. Salovaara, 58, views his role as a "facilitator" who will bridge communication between London and Brussels, rather than directly participating in negotiations.
Salovaara, who previously served as Finland's permanent secretary in the foreign ministry and ambassador to the UN, noted that the UK remains the EU's "first and foremost partner" and that past agreements have been mutually beneficial. He recalled his earlier diplomatic posting in the UK during the "optimistic" 1990s, a period marked by growing global trade and strengthening international norms.
Discussions are ongoing regarding a "youth experience scheme," with the UK initially offering 50,000 places annually, while EU officials are advocating for 150,000. Salovaara highlighted potential areas for future cooperation, including food standards, linking the UK and EU carbon emissions trading schemes, youth mobility, and security. He emphasized that common standards reduce border checks, noting that nearly 60% of the UK's food exports go to the EU market and 70% of its imports come from the EU.
Regarding the UK's potential future relationship, Salovaara acknowledged that the EU must await the UK's proposals. He mentioned that while the previous approach was incremental, the current UK Prime Minister is exploring all options. Charles Grant, head of the Centre for European Reform, has suggested that Europe might not welcome the UK back as a full member without domestic political consensus. Salovaara conceded that strong consensus is usually beneficial for fundamental decisions, but stated it is up to the UK to determine if a further referendum is necessary to prove such consensus.
Salovaara also touched upon other potential models, such as joining the EU single market or customs union, and mentioned evolving concepts like associate membership, citing Canada as an example. He also referenced a proposal, associated with Alexandre Adam, chief adviser to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, for countries to join the EU without immediate full market access, with such access granted later in exchange for commitments to democracy.