Introduction
The recent UK-EU agreement aims to reset relations post-Brexit and covers crucial areas like trade, fishing rights, youth mobility, and defence cooperation. Understanding who benefits and who faces challenges from this UK-EU agreement is essential for businesses, workers, and citizens on both sides.
Food and Trade: Fewer Barriers but New Conditions
One of the biggest winners from the UK-EU agreement are UK food exporters to the EU. The deal promises to reduce paperwork and checks, easing exports of products such as sausages and raw meats that were previously banned under strict EU rules. In 2023, UK food and drink exports to the EU were worth £14 billion, accounting for over half the sector’s overseas sales.
However, the UK-EU agreement requires the UK to follow future EU food standards through a system called “dynamic alignment,” with the European Court of Justice holding final dispute authority. This condition means some groups opposing closer regulatory alignment see this as a loss. Additionally, the UK will have to make a yet unspecified financial contribution to the EU related to this agreement.
Fishing Rights: A Political Hot Potato
Fishing rights remain a politically sensitive issue despite representing a small portion of the UK economy. The EU fishing industry emerges as a winner with a 12-year extension (until 2038) of access to UK waters under the UK-EU agreement, longer than anticipated.
In contrast, many UK fishermen, particularly in Scotland, see themselves as losers. They lose the leverage of annual negotiations and fear losing bargaining power over fishing access. Scottish fishermen’s representatives have strongly criticized the UK-EU agreement, calling it detrimental to their industry.
Despite the criticism, the UK government insists there will be no increase in the EU vessels’ catch quotas, and UK fishermen will benefit from easier export processes, especially in sectors like salmon farming.
Youth Mobility: Opportunities and Challenges
The UK-EU agreement could allow young people from the UK and EU to work and study more freely across borders under a new “youth experience scheme.” This is a win for young professionals and students seeking easier mobility.
On the other hand, those concerned about rising immigration may view this negatively, as initial increases in net migration could occur. Experts suggest phased implementation to manage immigration impacts effectively.
eGates and Border Control
British tourists stand to benefit from potential access to eGates at EU airports, which could reduce passport control wait times. However, the UK-EU agreement is vague on the timing and extent of this change. Travel organizations warn that travelers should not expect immediate relief from long queues, especially before the EU’s new Entry/Exit System becomes active in October 2025.
Defence Cooperation: New Contract Opportunities
The UK defence industry could benefit from participation in the EU’s €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) fund, designed to boost rearmament. This access may open new contracts for UK defence firms, which are significant exporters globally.
EU defence firms hoping for exclusive access to this funding might see this as a loss, as UK companies could now compete for these contracts under the framework of the UK-EU agreement.
Conclusion
The UK-EU agreement represents a complex mix of wins and losses. While trade and youth mobility schemes offer opportunities for growth and cooperation, the fishing industry and regulatory alignment pose ongoing challenges. Businesses and citizens should stay informed as implementation details evolve and the full impact of the UK-EU agreement unfolds.
Want to stay updated on Brexit developments and trade impacts? Explore our Brexit Trade Impact Analysis for in-depth insights.
