Key facts
- The EU is considering closer economic cooperation with the U.K.
- Finnish MEP Mika Aaltola said the EU is at the "conceptual drawing board" stage for relations with like-minded partners.
- Aaltola suggested potential arrangements could include "sectoral" deals or "market freedom of markets type of arrangement, like with Switzerland."
- The EU aims to reduce dependence on hostile powers and trade rivals.
- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed a U.K.-EU summit is planned for later this year.
The European Union is exploring avenues for enhanced economic cooperation with the United Kingdom, a move that could involve granting increased market access, according to Mika Aaltola, a Finnish Member of the European Parliament. Aaltola, who is also the vice-chair of the Parliament’s delegation for relations with the U.K., stated that such discussions are in their early conceptual stages.
Speaking at POLITICO’s Playbook Live Summit in Brussels on Tuesday, Aaltola indicated that these potential arrangements could take the form of "sectoral" deals or a broader "market freedom of markets type of arrangement," drawing a comparison to the EU's relationship with Switzerland. He emphasized the need for such strategic visions to navigate a shifting global landscape, citing threats from Russia and strained relations with the U.S. administration.
While European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently proposed an "associate membership" for Canada, Aaltola noted that discussions are also underway regarding the U.K. The EU has previously downplayed the possibility of the U.K. receiving associate membership, as it is generally reserved for countries geographically within the EU.
Separately, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham mentioned that both the U.K. and the EU are planning a summit aimed at resetting their relationship, with hopes for it to occur later this year.