The European Union has signalled a renewed openness to strengthening trade and strategic ties with the United Kingdom, including the possibility of cooperation on a customs union. European Commissioner for Economy and Productivity Valdis Dombrovskis said Brussels was “ready to engage with an open mind” if the UK wished to explore closer alignment.
Speaking after high-level talks in London with Chancellor Rachel Reeves and other ministers, Dombrovskis suggested that most food checks between the UK and the EU could be removed if Britain aligns with EU sanitary and phytosanitary rules. He also indicated openness to renewed discussions on UK participation in the EU’s €150bn defence loans scheme (SAFE).
While Labour has ruled out rejoining the EU customs union and single market, calls for closer alignment are growing amid global economic uncertainty. Reeves stressed the importance of stronger UK–EU cooperation, highlighting shared values on trade, the economy and security.
Although the talks do not amount to a formal Brexit reset, they signal a mutual willingness to deepen cooperation in response to mounting geopolitical and economic challenges.