Future trade relations between the EU and the UK: Options after Brexit

This study analysed the various options for the future trade relations between the EU and the UK, after Brexit. It examined the various models against the canvas of two distinct paradigms:

+ market integration
+ trade liberalisation.

It found that an intermediate model, which would allow for continued convergence and mutual recognition in some sectors/freedoms, but not others, was unavailable and cannot easily be constructed for legal, institutional, and political reasons.

The stark choice was between a customs union/free trade agreement, or continued internal market membership through the EEA or an equivalent agreement.

The study further analysed the effects of Brexit on the UK’s continued participation in the trade agreements concluded by the EU. Notwithstanding a range of complexities, the study found that such continued participation is not automatic but subject to negotiation.

• Primary Source

Institute for Government, 2017: Trade after Brexit. Options for the UK’s relationship with the EU (et al) http://www.europeansources.info/record/trade-after-brexit-options-for-the-uks-relationship-with-the-eu/

ESO: Find further information in ESO on After Brexit and Future Trading Relationship http://www.europeansources.info/advSearchLink?keyword=brexit%20after%20future%20trading%20relations%20&searchOption=all

European Parliament: European Parliamentary Research Service: Study, March 2018: Future trade relations between the EU and the UK: Options after Brexit http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/STUD/2018/603866/EXPO_STU(2018)603866_EN.pdf

Welsh Brexit: Blog, 30.10.18: A Canada v Norway second vote: a way out of impasse? http://blogs.cardiff.ac.uk/brexit/2018/10/30/a-canada-v-norway-second-vote-a-way-out-of-impasse/

Full Facts, 05.07.18: Post-Brexit trade deals: the Norway and Canada options explained https://fullfact.org/europe/brexit-trade-deals-norway-canada-options/

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