Brussels on Tuesday rejected London’s initiative to join a convention regulating trade with 20 countries in Africa and the Middle East.
The European Union is blocking the UK’s attempts to join the Pan-Euro-Mediterranean Convention (PEM). This agreement regulates tariffs within the framework of free trade between the EU and two dozen countries in Africa and the Middle East.
According to representatives of the European Union and Britain, Brussels is hindering London’s efforts to reduce supply problems for British exporters after Brexit.
EU officials believe that Britain’s accession would create risks of imports into the EU at reduced tariffs, which is not in the interests of the community. Experts note that in order to participate in the PEM, London must change the terms of its current trade and co-operation agreement with the European Union.
Sam Lowe, a representative of the consulting firm Flint Global, said: “The absence of convention provisions in the bilateral agreement effectively gives the EU the power to block the British government’s ambitions.” This decision reflects the continuing tensions between the EU and Britain, despite recent statements about a “reset” in relations.
In May, the two sides announced an agreement to expand their partnership, including defence co-operation and a fishing deal.
