Looking to the future of EU-UK relations: 2026 Review of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) from a civil society perspective

Practical information

1. Composition of the Study Group
2. Administrator / Assistant in charge: Marco RISTORI / Elisabete DIAS

Background Information

Despite Brexit, the EU and the UK continue to share a unique relationship rooted in common interests, values, and perspectives. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) provides the legal framework for bilateral trade, and its implementation is monitored by civil society in both regions. While governments focus on implementing the TCA, civil society experiences it daily—as businesses, workers, consumers, and citizens.

The TCA’s legally required five-year review is set for 2026, formally limited to assess its implementation. However, there should be no limit to improving the agreement more substantially. This own-initiative opinion aims to highlight real-world challenges and propose enhancements in areas such as regulatory cooperation, mobility (including youth), fair competition and international commitments, pragmatic implementation of the new border control regimes, mutual recognition, climate and energy cooperation, the Windsor Framework, and dialogue with TCA committees and Domestic Advisory Groups (DAGs).

In light of the electoral results in both the EU and the UK, there is growing momentum to recalibrate and streamline trade relations, secure a robust security pact, address citizens’ rights, and deepen cooperation in other policy fields. A first bilateral EU-UK Summit in the first half of 2025 will establish a framework for strategic collaboration.

The 2026 TCA review will be key in shaping a forward-looking EU-UK relationship. Organised civil society—through DAGs and the EESC’s wider outreach—must be heard to pinpoint shortcomings and offer constructive solutions. This own-initiative opinion will guide the review process and help forge a less politicized, more future-oriented partnership.