London & Brussels, 12 May 2025 – UK Transport in Europe (UKTiE) has today urged the UK and EU to seize the opportunity of the 19 May UK-EU Reset Summit to deliver practical cooperation on transport, trade, and connectivity—emphasising that progress to reduce friction and align investment strategies is the only way to boost economic certainty, unlock growth, and strengthen long-term resilience.
UKTiE, which represents UK transport stakeholders in Brussels, said that with both sides committed to a more pragmatic and productive partnership, transport is the logical place to start—an area where mutual interests align and quick wins are within reach.
The summit, hosted in the UK, is expected to mark the most significant shift in UK-EU relations since the signing of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). It follows the Foreign Secretary’s call for “ruthless pragmatism” in working with Europe and comes as trade figures show a 27% drop in UK goods exports to the EU and a 32% drop in the opposite direction since 2021.
In a submission to both the UK and European Parliaments, UKTiE outlines a practical transport-focused agenda to help reset relations and deliver shared economic and environmental benefits.
UKTiE’s Reset Priorities
The submission sets out a focused four-point agenda to guide the transport and trade dimensions of the reset:
- Smarter Borders, Smoother Flows
Cutting costs and delays through streamlined customs, digital paperwork, and improved SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) cooperation. - Reconnecting Cross-Border Rail & Freight
Removing regulatory bottlenecks and restoring services, including mutual recognition of rail driver licences and investment in key corridors. - Greener, Cleaner Corridors
Building green shipping routes and EV infrastructure across the Channel, aligning with EU decarbonisation goals. - Strengthened UK-EU Innovation & Standards Cooperation
Enhancing UK participation in EU research and innovation programmes such as Horizon Europe, re-engaging with the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), and fostering structured regulatory dialogue on safety, artificial intelligence, and emerging mobility technologies.
Mark Watts, CEO of UKTiE, said the summit must produce more than warm words. “This summit is the moment to move from divergence to delivery. Transport is the best place to start—because when goods move, economies grow. The reset must be practical, not political.” He added: “The UK and EU have shared goals—resilience, clean growth, digital transformation. If we align on transport, we can unlock investment, cut red tape, and deliver results people will actually feel.”
A Pragmatic Pivot with Mutual Gains
UKTiE argues that aligning transport policy offers one of the few areas where both sides can act swiftly, improve trust, and deliver tangible benefits to businesses and consumers.
This comes as the EU reconsiders key aspects of its transport and climate strategy—while the UK sets out a new international economic framework based on “partnership not protectionism.”
For interviews, quotes, or access to the full UKTiE submission, contact:
Mark Watts
markwatts@lpbrussels.com
+32 474 060185
www.uktie.eu
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