EU Signals Openness to UK Customs Union Talks as UK Maintains Red Lines

Policy discussions between the UK and the European Union continue to focus on the future of their trading relationship, with both sides outlining their positions on customs arrangements and broader cooperation.

Valdis Dombrovskis, who serves as the European Commission’s economy or finance commissioner, stated that the EU is prepared to approach talks about a potential UK customs union with an open mind. This comment was made in response to a question from the BBC regarding the EU’s willingness to consider such discussions with Britain.

On the UK side, the government has reiterated its position that it will not seek to rejoin the customs union, the single market, or reinstate freedom of movement. Officials have described these areas as “red lines” in the country’s approach to EU relations.

Meetings between senior EU officials, including Dombrovskis and Maroš Šefčovič, and UK ministers such as Chancellor Rachel Reeves and EU relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds took place in London. These talks form part of ongoing engagement between the two sides on a range of post-Brexit issues.

What the numbers show

• Meetings between UK and EU officials occurred in London on a Monday
• Statements on customs union positions were made public on February 3, 2026
• Internal Labour Party discussions on EU ties were reported as of January 30, 2026

Current discussions between the UK and EU extend beyond customs arrangements, covering topics such as food checks, youth mobility schemes, and the potential for linking emissions trading systems. These areas reflect ongoing efforts to manage the practical aspects of the UK’s relationship with the EU following Brexit.

Within the UK’s governing Labour Party, some figures have suggested that closer customs cooperation could offer economic advantages. Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy have both indicated that a customs union might benefit the UK economy, although the government’s official stance remains unchanged.

Despite these internal party perspectives, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration continues to reject the idea of rejoining the customs union. The government maintains its commitment to its established negotiating positions with the EU.

Institutional engagement between the UK and EU is set to continue, with both sides participating in regular discussions on key policy areas. The positions outlined by officials suggest that while dialogue remains open, core policy differences persist regarding the future of customs arrangements.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.