The Guardian: The EU Rejects UK's Application for Access to the Single Market
According to reports, the EU considers the terms proposed by the UK overly favorable to itself, and Brussels will not allow member states to enjoy trade benefits without fully complying with EU regulations. Both sides are currently exploring alternative compromise solutions.
The EU is reluctant to establish a special, loosely structured partnership with the UK, fearing such a model could serve as a blueprint for anti-EU populist movements within the EU’s 27 member states.
For instance, crafting a tailored agreement for the UK might embolden Eurosceptic candidates in France’s 2027 presidential election, enabling them to argue that France need not strictly adhere to single market rules. Moreover, once the UK gains special treatment, other member states may begin questioning their own financial contributions to the EU budget.
EU officials have proposed that the UK rejoin the customs union, but this proposal was rejected by the UK government. London remains determined to secure access at minimum to markets for food and electricity.
A spokesperson for the UK Cabinet stated: “We have previously confirmed that a new round of UK-EU summits will be held this summer, with specific dates to be announced later.”
Ahead of the summit, we are negotiating a comprehensive package of deep cooperation, including sanitary and phytosanitary agreements for food and beverages, and arrangements related to carbon emissions trading. It is estimated that by 2040, these agreements could generate up to £900 million annually for the UK economy.
Micro-comment
After Brexit, the UK seeks partial access to the benefits of the single market without accepting the full burden of EU regulatory oversight; the EU adheres to the principle of reciprocity and refuses exceptions or preferential treatment. The proposal for rejoining the customs union has also failed to reach consensus.
Granting special concessions to the UK would undermine the foundation of EU integration, easily triggering imitative behavior across multiple countries, weakening compliance obligations, and intensifying internal centrifugal tendencies—threatening overall governance and fiscal stability.
The UK focuses on securing market access in essential sectors such as food and energy, aiming for tangible economic gains; the EU strives to maintain a unified rule-based system while preserving normal bilateral trade relations, avoiding complete deterioration of ties.
This summer’s summit will be a pivotal negotiation point, with both sides engaging in pragmatic discussions on issues like food safety inspections and carbon emissions trading, attempting to find a balance between rules and mutual interests.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1865972832065536/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author