Brexit: UK And EU – A New Deal? What Are The Sticking Points?

Michael

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Post on May 20, 2025

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Brexit: UK and EU – A New Deal? What are the Sticking Points?

The post-Brexit relationship between the UK and the EU remains a complex and evolving landscape, far from the initial hopes of a swift and seamless transition. While a trade deal is in place, significant friction points persist, hindering the full potential of the partnership and impacting businesses and citizens on both sides. This article delves into the key sticking points hindering a smoother relationship and explores the prospects for a "new deal" in the future.

The Northern Ireland Protocol: A Major Contention

Perhaps the most significant obstacle is the Northern Ireland Protocol, a key part of the Withdrawal Agreement. Designed to avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, it effectively keeps Northern Ireland aligned with some EU rules, creating a de facto customs border in the Irish Sea. This has led to significant disruption to trade flows between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, angering unionists who feel detached from the rest of the UK. The EU insists on maintaining the protocol to protect the integrity of its single market and the Good Friday Agreement, while the UK seeks significant changes, potentially renegotiating key aspects. This issue remains a major hurdle to improved relations.

Trade Friction and Regulatory Divergence:

Beyond Northern Ireland, broader trade friction persists. While a Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) exists, it doesn't provide the frictionless trade many had hoped for. Differing regulatory standards between the UK and EU create complexities for businesses, particularly in areas like food and agricultural products. The UK's desire to diverge from EU regulations – seen by some as a key Brexit benefit – clashes with the EU's need to protect its internal market. This divergence adds bureaucratic burdens and costs for businesses engaged in cross-border trade. Finding a way to navigate these differing regulatory landscapes is crucial for a more efficient trade relationship.

Fishing Rights: An Ongoing Dispute:

The fishing industry has been another area of significant contention. The TCA granted the EU access to UK waters, but the allocation of fishing quotas has been a source of ongoing disagreement. The UK argues for greater control over its fishing waters, while the EU defends the rights of its fishing fleets. This dispute not only affects the fishing industry itself but also highlights broader tensions regarding sovereignty and access to resources.

Future Prospects for a "New Deal":

The prospects for a significantly altered deal are uncertain. While both sides acknowledge the need for improved relations, fundamental disagreements remain. Any renegotiation would require political will and compromise from both the UK and the EU. The current political climate, with changing governments and shifting priorities, adds further complexity.

What needs to happen for a new deal?

• Increased political will: Both sides need to prioritize finding solutions and compromise on key issues.
• Creative solutions: New approaches are needed to address the core problems, potentially involving innovative regulatory mechanisms.
• Focus on mutual benefits: Negotiations need to be framed around the mutual economic benefits of a stronger partnership.

The future of the UK-EU relationship hangs in the balance. While a complete overhaul of the current arrangements seems unlikely in the short term, incremental improvements and targeted solutions to specific issues are possible. The path forward requires careful diplomacy, mutual respect, and a pragmatic approach to addressing the lingering challenges. Only time will tell whether a truly "new deal" can be forged. Stay tuned for further developments in this critical geopolitical relationship.