UK-EU summit postponed again amid dispute over ‘made in Europe’ policy

13:15

By: Azzat Manal

UK-EU summit postponed again amid dispute over ‘made in Europe’ policy

A planned summit aimed at strengthening relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union has reportedly been postponed again, highlighting continuing disagreements over sensitive economic and industrial issues following Brexit.

According to the Financial Times, citing people familiar with the discussions, the meeting has been moved from November 6 to later in the month. The delay is reportedly linked to differences over the European Union’s proposed “Made in Europe” approach, which seeks to strengthen domestic production and reduce the bloc’s dependence on imported goods.

The policy has raised concerns in the UK government, particularly over its potential impact on British industries that remain closely integrated with European supply chains. Areas such as automotive manufacturing, steel and renewable energy could be affected if European procurement or industrial-support rules give preference to products manufactured within the EU.

The issue is particularly sensitive for Britain because many British companies continue to depend on access to European markets and cross-border industrial networks. Changes in European procurement and investment policies could therefore have consequences for companies operating on both sides of the Channel.

European officials, however, have reportedly rejected the idea that the industrial policy dispute should be seen as a direct obstacle to the broader effort to rebuild relations between Brussels and London. EU representatives have indicated that they remain prepared to honour understandings reached during negotiations earlier in the year.

The reported postponement nevertheless illustrates the difficulties surrounding the UK’s post-Brexit relationship with the EU. Both sides have an interest in reducing barriers to trade and cooperation, but disagreements remain over issues ranging from industrial policy and market access to regulatory alignment and mobility.

One unnamed European diplomat reportedly warned that failing to hold the summit this year could create a lengthy delay in political momentum, even suggesting that it might be preferable to wait until the next British general election in 2029. The diplomat stressed that the summit would be important for creating the political incentive needed to resolve outstanding issues.

Britain voted to leave the European Union in the June 2016 referendum, with 51.9% supporting Brexit and 48.1% voting to remain. After years of negotiations, the UK formally left the bloc on January 31, 2020, although a transition period continued until the end of that year.

The EU and UK subsequently reached the Trade and Cooperation Agreement in December 2020, establishing the framework for their post-Brexit relationship. The agreement provides for tariff-free and quota-free trade in goods that meet its rules of origin, while also establishing arrangements covering services, fisheries, security cooperation and other areas.

Despite the agreement, Brexit has introduced additional customs procedures, regulatory requirements and administrative costs for many businesses. Both London and Brussels have since sought to improve practical cooperation while maintaining their respective regulatory and political priorities.

The renewed dispute over the “Made in Europe” strategy comes at a time when governments across Europe are seeking to strengthen industrial competitiveness, secure strategic supply chains and reduce dependence on external suppliers. For Britain, maintaining access to these European economic networks remains an important consideration as it seeks to deepen cooperation with the EU without reversing Brexit.

The postponed summit could therefore become an important test of whether London and Brussels can turn their recent efforts to reset relations into concrete agreements. The timing and agenda of the meeting will likely depend on whether the two sides can narrow their differences over industrial policy and other unresolved issues.