The European Union is open to the possibility of the United Kingdom joining the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM), as indicated by Maros Sefcovic, the EU's lead negotiator in post-Brexit discussions. In an interview with the BBC during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Sefcovic mentioned that the UK's participation in PEM, which facilitates tariff-free trade across Europe and parts of North Africa and the Levant, is "something we could consider." This statement comes as Sir Keir Starmer's Government looks to strengthen ties with the EU.
The PEM convention is seen as a way to preserve intricate supply chains that are vital to various industries, despite the previous UK government's decision not to pursue membership as part of its post-Brexit trade strategy. The current UK Government has initiated consultations with the business sector to assess the advantages of the PEM plan, focusing on its potential to streamline administrative processes and enhance trade operations.
Additionally, Sefcovic expressed his desire for the EU and UK to explore the establishment of a comprehensive veterinary agreement. Such an agreement would necessitate the UK aligning its regulations on food and farm products with the EU's, a concept referred to as "dynamic alignment." The absence of a veterinary agreement has presented significant challenges for UK food businesses looking to export to the EU. Sefcovic emphasized that for single market treatment of UK goods, concurrent regulatory updates would be required.
Photo credit: Liam McBurney/PA
Source: Eastern Daily Press