Implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement

The European Parliament adopted by 490 votes to 41, with 74 abstentions, a resolution on the implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Importance of the partnership between the European Union and the United Kingdom

Parliament underlined the essential nature of the partnership between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom, based on common values, shared interests, and the need to respond together to the growing security threats in Europe. It recognises the major role of the United Kingdom in the security of the continent and insisted on the full implementation of existing agreements: the Withdrawal Agreement, the Windsor Framework, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).

Members believe that the first EU-UK summit, to be held in London on 19 May 2025, is an important step in revitalising and deepening the partnership between the Union and the United Kingdom, as well as the starting point for more structured cooperation, particularly with the implementation of the security and defence partnership. Political declarations must now be translated into action, and the Union and the United Kingdom must deliver on their commitments, especially regarding defence industrial actions.

The TCA is one of the most ambitious and comprehensive trade agreements the EU has concluded with a non-EU country. While it does not replace EU membership and the benefits of access to the single market and the customs union, it nevertheless offers significant potential for future cooperation. Members welcomed the fact that the implementation of the TCA is proceeding smoothly and that all commitments planned for 2023 and 2024 are completed or are one track.

Northern Ireland

Parliament recalled the specific situation of Northern Ireland as a result of the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland, which was concluded to safeguard the Good Friday Agreement following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. It maintains that Northern Ireland's unique and specific position continues to be recognised, with the country maintaining dual access to both the EU single market and the UK internal market. It called for the full implementation of all components of the Windsor Framework to avoid the re-emergence of a hard border in Ireland, to safeguard the Good Friday Agreement in all its dimensions, and ensure smooth trade and cooperation, while preserving the integrity of the single market and the Customs Union.

The United Kingdom must swiftly and fully implement its part of the agreement in order to ensure the long-term stability of EU-UK relations. This includes, in particular:

- that the United Kingdom must effectively operationalise its customs and SPS mechanisms to address the challenges in the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and to prevent Northern Irish consumers from experiencing disruptions and reduced product availability;

- the full implementation of information-sharing mechanisms, and for better monitoring of new parcel processes and systems under the Windsor Framework and their impact on market access for consumers.

Members reaffirmed the historical importance of the Good Friday Agreement and recalled that the United Kingdom is bound not to diminish the rights and guarantees provided for therein. The Union called for continued monitoring of its commitments and close cooperation with the UK authorities, including enhanced dialogue with Northern Irish institutions.

The resolution called for: (i) the appointment of a dedicated liaison representative to liaise with Northern Ireland; (ii) building on the benefits of the PEACE programmes and considering how a broader cohesion policy can support the reconciliation process; (iii) the abolition of the electronic travel authorisation to Northern Ireland to allow unimpeded movement across the island of Ireland; (iv) ensuring the free movement of workers on both sides of the border.

Harnessing the potential of the TCA

Parliament called on both sides to deepen the partnership between the Union and the United Kingdom, to fully exploit the potential of the TCA in areas of mutual interest, including through voluntary sectoral alignment, mutual recognition mechanisms and dialogue on regulatory innovation, and to consider strengthening cooperation in the customs field.

Members welcomed the summit's conclusions, which reaffirmed a joint commitment to enhance cooperation in key sectors such as energy, including the UK's accession to the EU's single electricity market, new technologies, and agri-food. They encouraged both parties to build on the summit's renewed political momentum to achieve tangible progress in these areas.

Security and Defence Partnership

Parliament welcomed the Security and Defence Partnership Agreement reached at the EU-UK Summit, which strengthens cooperation, provides the structured framework lacking in the Common Security and Defence Agreement (CSDA), and establishes and demonstrates the UK's renewed commitment to engaging with the EU on foreign and security policy issues. Enhanced coordination is essential to address global crises in a security environment marked by hybrid threats, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns, and to promote democracy and human rights and ensure regional and international security.

Members welcomed the fact that the security and defence partnership establishes more structured and institutionalised cooperation on foreign, security, and defence matters at different levels of governance. This practice could provide a solid basis for cooperation and be institutionalised through a legally binding instrument.

The resolution stresses the need for the EU and the UK to closely monitor the implementation of the security and defence partnership provisions and the commitments set out in the agreement of understanding. Parliament must hold the Commission fully accountable for delivering on its commitments under the Common Understanding agreed with the UK Government.

In general, Members reaffirmed Parliament's commitment to closely monitoring the application of the TAC and recalled that the Commission should provide Parliament with full and immediate information on the implementation of the TCA in order to ensure proper scrutiny.