Businesses must shape the future UK-EU relationship to boost Europe’s economy

Ahead of the UK-EU Summit on 20 November, business group Logistics UK is calling for policymakers and businesses across Europe to come together and develop practical solutions to strengthen the UK-EU relationship, to boost competitiveness, growth and resilience across the continent.

“Economies grow when they trade and proximity is still one of the most significant factors,” comments Fletcher. “The trading relationship between our two economies is strong: the EU accounts for around 40% of UK exports while in 2024, the UK was the EU’s second-biggest trading partner. However, this trade is happening despite, not because of, post-Brexit arrangements so it is essential the upcoming UK-EU Summit begins to fix the frictions that are stifling trade-led growth for both economies.”

As UK ministers and EU officials prepare for the summit, Logistics UK Chief Executive Ben Fletcher is holding a series of meetings in Brussels with businesses and diplomats today, (10 November) to discuss how closer cooperation can create a trading environment that allows both economies to be more competitive, to grow and to become more resilient. A key element of the programme, given Ireland’s current presidency of the Council of the EU and the importance of the UK-Ireland trading relationship, is a joint event with Ibec, Ireland’s premier business group. The event, Europe’s Competitiveness: Fixing the Frictions Holding Back Trade-led Growth will explore ways to reduce trade barriers and regulatory friction that impede trade-led growth and efficient supply chains.

This story was originally published by Air Cargo Week. Read the full story at Air Cargo Week →