Skip to main content
  • The CBI chevron_right
  • Enhancing the EU-UK Strategic Partnership

Building Bridges: Enhancing the EU-UK Strategic Partnership

Amid mounting geopolitical uncertainty, the inaugural EU-UK Summit on 19 May marks a turning point in the EU-UK relationship.

15 May 2025, 2 min read

Key takeaways

  • Mobility has a leading role to play in the story of our economy. Deeper cooperation to enhance EU-UK business mobility must be a priority.
  • Evolving regulations has increased disruption for firms. Both sides should work together to develop robust regulatory standards which minimise disruption.
  • Cooperation on energy and climate is essential for security of energy supply and for reaching out joint net zero ambitions.

The CBI has unveiled 12 strategic recommendations for the new geopolitical and economic context in which the EU-UK reset is taking place. Produced in consultation with over 400 CBI members across the UK, these recommendations have been formed with the government's growth mission and its manifesto red lines front of mind.


Recommendations


Mobility

  • Better enable short-term business travel and Intra-Company Transfers through amends to the TCA and increased Home Office resources.
  • Negotiate a Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications agreement.
  • Agree reciprocal youth participation schemes.

Regulation

  • Secure a bespoke Sanitary and Phytosanitary/Veterinary Agreement.
  • Pursue a strategic approach to regulation of emerging technologies including developing joint roadmaps with relevant EU counterparts.
  • Cooperate further on maintaining cross-border data flows, including preserving the UK's EU data adequacy status.

Energy and climate

  • Strengthen cooperation on energy security, including through the North Seas Energy Cooperation.
  • Link the UK and EU's Emissions Trading Systems.
  • Agree mutual exemptions for the UK and EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms ahead of their full implementation in 2026 and 2027.

Defence and economic security

  • Undertake joint defence initiatives, including R&D collaboration, on issues like cyber security and space.
  • Establish a Joint Supply Chain Taskforce to secure the regional supply of materials, including Critical Minerals.
  • Hold regular strategic dialogues to coordinate responses to defence and economic security issues.

Get in touch

To discuss the CBI's Building Bridges report, please get in touch with Sean McGuire or Erin Henwood for more information.