The European Union can be pleased if it could construct a more in-depth relationship with a future British government, said EU Economic Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni.
When asked by Bloomberg Television concerning the prospects of a more in-depth rapprochement between the 2 sides within the event of a change of presidency within the UK, the Brussels official expressed his hope.
“We expect closer relations,” he said in an interview with Oliver Crook. “I have to say that we have reached a very good agreement with the existing government. But if closer relations are possible with the new government, we will be very happy.”
The remarks, made on the sidelines of a gathering of G7 finance ministers within the Italian lakeside town of Stresa, follow British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement that latest elections can be held on July 4.
With the ruling Conservative Party weakening within the polls, the Prime Minister would want to make a remarkable turnaround to stop a victory for the opposition Labour Party under Keir Starmer.
While Sunak has brought Britain closer to the EU and helped normalise relations with the Union, Labour has promised to further improve relations if it gains power.
Last 12 months, Sunak’s government agreed to the Windsor Framework to facilitate trade between Northern Ireland and the remaining of the UK and struck a deal allowing Britain to rejoin the EU’s Horizon science programme. But Sunak recently rejected a proposal from Brussels to make it easier for young people to maneuver between the UK and the EU to work and study.
David Lammy, a possible future foreign secretary under such a Labour government, said earlier this month that if his side won, it will “enter into negotiations“ when the post-Brexit trade agreement is reviewed in 2025.
A Labour government can be able to discuss the EU’s mobility offer for young people as a part of talks to strengthen cooperation, he said, warning that there can be no return to the free movement rules of the EU single market.
Starmer has also promised to attain “a much better deal” next 12 months and is aiming to develop a brand new security pact with the EU.
