Staying close to the EU

Initially conceived as a peace project, the EU has transformed into the largest and most successful trading block in the world.

Around 45% of the UK’s exports, and 55% of imports, are with our trading partners in the European Union. Key to this is the single market and customs union, guaranteeing free and frictionless trade between over 500 million people. On top of that, free movement means we, and our children, can travel, work, marry and retire in any country in Europe. Economies of scale mean we share the bureaucracy of government, making shared projects much cheaper.

As of 2026, the UK is not an EU member, but it still gets several important benefits from its close relationship with the EU through the European Union and the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

If you mean “what benefits would the UK have if it were still an EU member,” I can list those separately. But based on the current 2026 situation, these are the main benefits the UK still has from cooperation with the EU:

Trade access

  • The EU remains the UK’s largest trading partner:
    • about 41% of UK exports
    • about 51% of UK imports
  • UK goods traded with the EU are mostly free from tariffs and quotas under the current agreement.
  • UK businesses still benefit from easier access to a nearby market of hundreds of millions of consumers.

Business and investment

  • Strong EU–UK investment links continue, with large flows of capital between Britain and Europe.
  • UK firms can still cooperate with EU supply chains in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, automotive, aerospace, finance, and technology.

Scientific research and education

The UK participates in major EU programmes such as:

  • Horizon Europe
  • Copernicus Programme

This gives UK universities and companies access to international research funding and collaboration.

Security and policing cooperation

The UK still cooperates with EU countries on:

  • counter terrorism
  • organised crime
  • intelligence sharing
  • extradiction and policing coordination

Travel and transport

  • Agreements maintain air, road, rail, and maritime links between Britain and Europe.
  • UK citizens can still travel visa-free for short visits in most EU countries.

Energy cooperation

  • The UK and EU cooperate on electricity trading and energy interconnectors.
  • This helps energy security and can reduce costs.

Environmental and climate cooperation

The UK works with the EU on:

  • emissions trading
  • climate targets
  • renewable energy
  • environmental standards

Northern Ireland stability

The Windsor Framework reduced some trade and customs tensions involving Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland

Diplomatic and strategic influence

The UK and EU increasingly cooperate on:

  • support for Ukraine
  • sanctions
  • defence
  • migration
  • global trade policy

Possible future benefits being discussed in 2026

There are active discussions about:

  • reducing food and agricultural border checks
  • closer customs arrangement
  • startup investment cooperation
  • youth mobility schemes
  • easier professional and service trade

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