New opportunities: strengthening UK & EU relationships once more
Lawyer and member of New Democracy’s Political Committee, Ms Christina Georgaki examines the opportunity for closer UK-EU collaboration following the Labour Party’s historic general election win.
The election of a new government in the UK creates a bold opportunity for a strengthened relationship with the European Union following a frosty few years after the UK narrowly voted to leave the trading bloc in 2016. Though the new government, before being elected, was cautious to not rock the boat with talk of the EU, there are certainly opportunities which they would be unwise to cede.
As a businesswoman who works across multiple jurisdictions in Europe, I witnessed the devastating impact Britain’s vote to Leave had on trade. I also know how much Greece’s economy is strengthened by its participation in the Union. Though the conversation about Britain rejoining the EU has certainly been put on hold for the foreseeable future, there are opportunities for the UK’s new government to once again form a close relationship with other European nations – for the good of businesses there and abroad.
The Office for Budget Responsibility – the UK’s independent economic forecaster – has already suggested that Brexit has cut 4% of Britain’s productivity potential. Reversing this, by seeking closer ties, can only benefit all of our nations across Europe in the face of the constant simmer of the threat of European recession.
Suggestions that the new government might seek a mutual recognition deal for professional qualifications with the EU, along with a veterinary deal and improved touring rights for UK artists would all be welcome steps. As was the manifesto commitment to: “be confident in the UK’s status outside of the EU, but a leading nation in Europe once again, with an improved and ambitious relationship with our European partners”. This felt like the first serious commitment concerning the UK’s role in the world since 2016.
To develop this relationship moving forward, both the UK and the EU need to acknowledge that total reconciliation is unlikely – the post-referendum negotiations created too much bad blood for a complete reset.
There also needs to be acceptance that there is mistrust on both sides. Too often, the post-Brexit conversation in Britain suggests that it is only the British public that mistrusts the EU and not that the EU, as a result, mistrusts Britain. Taking this into account helps paint a more realistic picture of what can be achieved.
It has now been eight years since Britain voted to leave the EU and four years since they became the only sovereign country to actually exit. Since then, there has been a global pandemic, war in Ukraine and rising costs across the world. Economic circumstances have changed and co-operation has never seemed so necessary across recent history.
Now is the time for the UK to re-assess its role with the EU and for the EU to re-assess its relationship with the UK. Establishing closer ties and therein opening up doors for businesses can only boost the economic circumstances of our respective nations.
Christina Georgaki is a lawyer and member of New Democracy’s political committee.
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