This Ditchley discussion will explore how the EU and UK might develop a new vision for cooperation that takes account of the constraints of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement but also explores the potential for cooperation and coordination beyond it on areas not covered by the Customs Union and Single Market, for example defence production, the development of shared energy projects, and AI and other emerging technologies expected to shape the future. We will not look at British re-entry of the Single Market, judging this politically impossible for the foreseeable future.
The deepening of strategic competition between the West and China, including on AI, and the challenges flowing from President Trump’s radical agenda for the United States, create a new global context for cooperation between the EU and the UK. Looking ahead to the planned EU and UK summit, we will examine what can be achieved in the short term but also look to what kind of strategic relationship the EU and the UK might want in the uncertain and challenging global context that is emerging. What can be achieved during the Polish Presidency? What are realistic objectives for the terms of the incumbent British Government and the European Commission, Parliament and Council?
How can the upcoming summit set the right direction for further development of a warm and mutually supportive relationship between the EU and the UK, as natural liberal democratic allies on most international issues and crises? On which issues would progress matter most for the EU and vice versa for the UK? How could progress be achieved without renegotiating the TCA? How can we reduce friction on trade and mobility within legal, financial and political constraints for the EU and the UK?
What kind of relationship do the EU and the UK want with the United States under President Trump, mindful that the course he is taking might represent a radical and enduring shift but also is hotly contested and might begin to be reversed or slowed as early as the mid-term elections? What kind of relationship do the EU and UK want with China on the one hand and India on the other? Are there any mutual advantages in considering coordinated approaches to aspects of relations with China and India?
The UK left the EU partly to take back control on the movement of labour. But the UK also needs global talent if it is to grow. British talent could add to the EU in turn. What kind of relationship on the mobility of talent might the EU and the UK aspire to in the future? Is there scope for mutual recognition of qualifications in different fields, along with mobility? What about mobility for PhDs?
Terms of Reference
Programme
Travel Guidance
Ditchley Rule:
Participants are reminded of the confidential basis on which Ditchley conferences are held. All those participating do so in their personal capacities, not as spokespeople for any country or institution. The discussions are subject to the ‘Ditchley Rule’: all contributions are unattributable and interventions are made in strict confidence; this also applies to conversations outside the formal sessions. Those present are, however, free to draw on the substance of what has been said, but not under any circumstances to disclose who it was that said it. The Rule will be scrupulously observed in any post-conference reports.