Umfrage: Wirtschaft will Nachbesserungen bei EU-Abkommen mit UK

Ten years after the Brexit referendum, many German and British companies are hoping for improvements in the trade and cooperation agreement between the EU and the United Kingdom. This is according to a survey conducted by KPMG, a German auditing firm, and the British Chamber of Commerce in Germany (BCCG). Seventy-one percent of businesses are seeking better trade relations from the British government, while seventy-three percent desire less bureaucracy from the German government.

Michael Schmidt, president of the BCCG, said, "Now is the time to turn proximity into growth. Companies need reliable promises: simpler borders, predictable visas, and rules that work in everyday life."

The Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) between the EU and the UK, which has been in effect since 2021, undergoes a joint review every five years. The majority of companies want increased mobility for business travelers and employees, with 49 percent hoping for more efficient customs and border procedures. Other key areas of concern are mutual recognition of product standards (32 percent) and better access to services (31 percent) in the market.

Despite the positive trade performance, the trade volume is still significantly below pre-Brexit levels. Between 2015 and 2025, the trade volume decreased by seven percent to 118.4 billion euros in 2025, despite rising prices. Sixty-one percent of the surveyed companies plan no investments in the UK this year, with political uncertainty cited as the main hindrance to investment (35 percent).

The next summit between the British government and the EU is scheduled for November 20 in Brussels, with further steps towards rapprochement expected.