CliffNotes
- UK business group calls for EU reset
- It comes ahead of a UK-EU summit on 19 May
- CBI’s proposals reflect views from 400+ UK firms
UK Business Group Calls for EU Reset Amid Rising Pressures
What Happened
The UK’s leading business lobbying group, the CBI, is calling for a major reset in relations with the EU, saying the current post-Brexit setup is “no longer fit for purpose”. Ahead of a UK-EU summit on 19 May, the group has urged both sides to rebuild trust and take “practical steps” to reduce red tape, ease staff mobility, and coordinate on climate, defence and energy.
The CBI’s proposals reflect views from 400+ UK firms, and align with EU counterpart BusinessEurope. Key asks include youth mobility schemes, restoration of mutual professional recognition, and cross-border work access.
While the UK has ruled out re-joining the EU or its single market, ministers have shown growing openness to mobility discussions. The government says talks with the EU aim to deliver outcomes “in the national interest”.
What’s Next
The summit in London on 19 May could mark a shift in UK-EU cooperation. Business leaders want momentum for new trade terms and possible defence agreements, though no final deal is expected imminently.
Pressure is mounting to avoid rising costs — especially in Northern Ireland, where new regulations and carbon taxes could cost up to £200m annually. Whether the UK will soften its stance on youth mobility and other EU-linked schemes may become clearer in the weeks following the summit.
Media Reaction
The Times says France is pushing to freeze Britain out of 85 per cent of a €150 billion military rearmament fund, despite government concessions before a summit with the EU due to be hosted by Sir Keir Starmer on Monday.
The Guardian says EU member states have rejected UK positions on fishing and a youth mobility deal as “tensions mount” before a summit between Keir Starmer and Ursula von der Leyen next week.
BBC asks “Is Britain really inching back towards the EU?”
The Independent says with the Brexit reset deal due to be unveiled at a summit in London on Monday, the talks have hit late problems with issues on fishing rights, university fees and youth visas raised by EU member states.