By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Despite the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement being lauded as highly sophisticated, its full potential remains untapped, requiring stronger business-to-business collaboration. This contrasts with the UK government’s stated intention to avoid rejoining the single market or customs union. However, significant opportunities for UK businesses exist within Germany’s planned €500 billion defense and infrastructure fund. Therefore, focusing on defense cooperation presents a key avenue for advancing UK-Germany relations.
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Germany’s repeated calls for Britain to rejoin the EU customs union stem from a deep-seated desire for closer ties with its former partner. The current global instability highlights the importance of strong alliances, and the historical bond between Britain and Europe suggests a natural alignment. Any step towards reconciliation, even a partial one like rejoining the customs union, is seen as beneficial for both sides. While a full return to the EU might be a longer-term prospect, a renewed customs partnership is a more achievable and immediate goal.
The current state of post-Brexit trade is far from ideal for many. Businesses and individuals alike are grappling with customs duties and bureaucratic hurdles that complicate trade between Britain and the EU. The cumbersome process of sending parcels between countries is significantly impacting personal relationships and small businesses, representing a tangible consequence of leaving the customs union. These frustrations fuel the argument for a simpler, more integrated trade arrangement.
Many believe that Brexit itself was a flawed decision, fueled by misinformation and possibly foreign interference. The narrow margin of victory in the referendum, combined with subsequent revelations about the campaign’s tactics, suggests that a significant portion of the population harbors regret. A new referendum today could potentially yield a vastly different result, with a strong majority in favor of rejoining, at least the customs union. This widespread disillusionment underscores the potential for political gain in advocating for closer EU ties.
Rejoining the customs union is viewed by many as a sensible step, a pragmatic approach to rectify the negative consequences of Brexit. The idea is portrayed as a way to put the past behind, to move beyond the acrimony of the divorce and refocus on practical cooperation. This sentiment is shared by various groups across the political spectrum, not just those who initially opposed Brexit. The benefits of frictionless trade are undeniable, and they outweigh the political risks for many proponents.
However, significant obstacles remain. The EU, for its part, might be wary of setting precedents or appearing overly eager to accommodate Britain’s return. Any new agreement would likely require concessions from Britain, potentially including issues like fishing rights and free movement of people. This could prove to be a contentious point, as it touches upon key principles that the current UK government may be unwilling to compromise on. There are also inherent bureaucratic hurdles within the EU system that could complicate the process.
The geopolitical landscape plays a vital role in these discussions. The increasingly volatile relationship with the US and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have emphasized the importance of strong European alliances. Reintegrating Britain into the European economic and political framework would bolster Europe’s position on the world stage, providing a more unified front against potential threats. This shift in the global power dynamic is making the arguments for closer ties more persuasive.
Beyond the economic benefits, there is a deep sense of cultural and historical kinship between Britain and the EU. The shared heritage and long-standing ties between the two sides create a natural inclination towards cooperation. The focus isn’t just on economic gain but also on repairing damaged relationships and restoring a sense of community. This cultural dimension underpins the emotional appeal of a closer relationship with Europe.
While the prospect of full EU membership might remain distant, a more immediate focus on rejoining the customs union offers a practical and potentially politically palatable solution. The economic advantages, the geopolitical necessity, and the human desire for reconciliation all converge to support this idea. The current political climate, however, presents a significant hurdle, with the UK’s domestic political landscape likely being the determining factor for the time being. Only time will tell if the urge for reconciliation will overcome the political roadblocks, and lead to a closer relationship between Germany and Britain.