Written Statement: EU- UK Summit

Wales is, and will always be, a proudly outward-looking European nation. The EU remains Wales’ most significant trading partner and the largest source of inward investment. Our overseas network in Europe plays a vital role in supporting trade and investment and in delivering our commitment to meaningful European engagement.

We welcomed the UK Government’s commitment to re-set relations with the EU and we have been very clear about the Welsh Government’s priorities. We have used the intergovernmental machinery to engage productively. 

We therefore welcome today’s announcement following the EU-UK Summit, outlining a renewed approach to UK-EU relations and new opportunities for enhanced security, safety, and economic prosperity for citizens and businesses on both sides of the Channel. 

The Welsh Government was clear that securing an agreement with the EU to reduce trade barriers in agriculture, food and drink was a priority.  We welcome today’s announcement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards. Such an agreement could significantly benefit our agricultural, food, and drink sectors. Welsh produce is among the highest quality available, and we will work closely with the UK Government to ensure Welsh priorities are fully represented in ongoing negotiations.We will continue to push the UK Government to ensure the final agreement allows Live Bivalve Molluscs from Welsh waters to resume trade to the EU.

We recognise the critical importance of energy security and the role of renewables in our energy future. We have strongly called for closer cooperation in these areas to support shared ambitions, and we welcome the commitment made today.

The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is a powerful tool for decarbonisation and supports our goals for green growth and green jobs. Aligning the UK and EU ETS would benefit Wales by creating opportunities for Welsh industries and ensuring a level playing field across a broader market. The Welsh Government shares joint responsibility for the UK ETS alongside the Scottish Government, the Northern Ireland Executive, and the UK Government, and we welcome this development.

We also welcome the UK and EU’s announcement of a mutual commitment to negotiate a youth mobility scheme. This is a top priority for the Welsh Government because we want our young people to have the widest range of opportunities and experiences available to them. We support proposals that enable young people to benefit from the social, cultural, and educational opportunities of living, working, and studying in each other’s countries. We will work with the UK Government to ensure the scheme delivers meaningful benefits for Wales and look forward to welcoming young people from across the EU.

We have consistently expressed our ambition for Wales to participate in a broader range of EU programmes, including Erasmus+. Our investment in the Taith programme demonstrates our commitment to international learning and has ensured that a generation of learners has not missed out on life-changing experiences. Taith has been recognised by the European Parliament for its efforts to include underrepresented groups and smaller organisations, and we are committed to preserving and building on these achievements. We will continue to work with the UK Government around on our priorities for accessing other EU programmes such as Creative Europe and European Territorial Cooperation. 

We welcome the announcement of dedicated dialogues on the implementation of the TCA’s chapter on entry and temporary stays for business purposes and the recognition of professional qualifications. In our discussions, we have been clear about the priority we give to measures that will make it easier for Welsh professionals to do business in the EU. 

We deeply value our relationships with European institutions, nations, and regions, and are committed to continuing constructive, positive, and successful cooperation with the EU through the EU-UK TCA and developments announced today. Only through collaboration can we effectively address the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

There is still work to be done to finalise the details, and we are clear that the Welsh Government must be fully involved in discussions on devolved matters or issues that impact Wales. We will continue to ensure that Wales has a strong voice at the table.