London, May 23 (SANA)– The British government has proposed creating a single market for goods with the European Union in an effort to reintegrate its trade within the continent.
The idea was rejected by the EU, reflecting the continued complexity of relations between the two sides since Britain’s departure from Brussels under Brexit, which came into effect in 2020.
British newspaper, the Guardian, revealed in a report that the Cabinet Office’s top official on EU relations, Michael Ellam, presented the proposal during recent visits to Brussels aimed at deepening economic ties between the two sides.
According to European sources, EU officials rejected the idea, preferring other options including a full customs union and economic alignment through the European Economic Area (EEA).
These alternatives conflict with the “red lines” of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who stated in 2024 that Britain will not return to the European Union, the single market, or the customs union, and also rejects joining the European Economic Area because it requires freedom of movement for people.
European officials believe that granting Britain special arrangements could open the door for populist movements within EU countries to demand similar treatment, potentially threatening the cohesion of the single market.
British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves emphasized the strategic need to deepen economic integration with the EU, while British sources indicated that Brussels has shown openness to discussing limited access to the single market in sectors such as food, agriculture, and energy.
United Kingdom officially left the European Union on January 31, 2020, entered a transition period that ended on December 31 of the same year, and the Brexit agreement governing the new trade and economic relations was approved thereafter.
N.J/MZN
