Germany’s ambassador to the UK, Miguel Berger, has called on Britain to consider rejoining a customs union with the European Union, citing Turkey’s long-standing arrangement as a potential model, according to Politico.
Speaking at the British Chambers of Commerce on Thursday, Berger emphasised that such a move would significantly ease trade relations and reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Berger highlighted Turkey’s 20-year customs union with the EU as an example of how the UK could strengthen its trade ties with the bloc.
When we have the review next year, we can obviously look into possibilities where we can cut red tape. But let me really also mention Turkey has for more than 20 years a customs union with the European Union. So that would obviously also be a way to move forward, which would ease many, many things in the trade relationship.
While acknowledging the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) as “the most sophisticated and far-reaching trade agreement which exists in the world,” Berger argued that both sides have not fully utilised its potential.
However, Berger’s proposal contrasts with the UK government’s position. Brexit minister Nick Thomas-Symonds has reiterated that Britain has “a mandate for a reset with the European Union,” which explicitly rules out rejoining the single market or customs union.
Berger also pointed to defence as a key area for UK-Germany collaboration, particularly in light of Germany’s plans to unlock a €500 billion special fund for defence and infrastructure under Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz.
This means huge business opportunities, also for the United Kingdom.
The UK and EU are set to hold their first summit on 19 May, where Germany hopes to see concrete proposals from London. Berger specifically mentioned the potential benefits of a veterinary and sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement, which could reduce controls and lower prices for British consumers.
