UK–EU Transport, Technology & Trade Reset Roundtable to Drive Practical Progress Between the UK and EU Member States
Leeds | 26 February 2026
UK Transport in Europe (UKTiE), with the support of the UK Department for Transport and hosted by the UK Railway Industry Association, will convene a high-level UK–EU Transport, Technology & Trade Reset Roundtable in Leeds on 26 February 2026, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, local and devolved government, and experts from across the United Kingdom.
The Roundtable will build on last year’s work – in which many stakeholders were involved – and on UKTiE’s agreed UK–EU Reset Asks, which set out the case for a stronger, smarter, more sustainable and more secure UK–EU transport and trade system. The Leeds meeting will focus on translating renewed reset momentum into practical delivery across transport, technology and trade.
Improving connectivity and reducing friction remains one of the most immediate and cost-effective ways to support economic growth, competitiveness and resilience across and between the UK and the EU and its Member States. The Roundtable will therefore concentrate on practical measures that can be implemented quickly, using existing and emerging cooperation frameworks.
Mark Watts, Chief Executive of UK Transport in Europe (UKTiE), said:
“As the UK–EU relationship enters a new phase, the priority must be delivery. Improving connectivity and reducing friction between the UK and the various countries of the EU is one of the most effective ways to support growth and resilience. Transport, technology and trade are where cooperation becomes tangible – and where progress can be delivered quickly.”
Against the backdrop of renewed political engagement on the UK–EU relationship, discussions will examine how cooperation can move from high-level intent to operational outcomes, ensuring that transport systems and enabling technologies play a central role in supporting economic growth, resilient supply chains, decarbonisation and security on both sides of the Channel.
Richard Christian,Head of Corporate Affairs at Port of Dover, said:
“As the UK’s busiest international passenger and freight port handling a third of the nation’s trade in goods with the EU, the Port of Dover is a strong advocate for smart, seamless and sustainable transport that will support our mutual economic growth ambitions. This will require a supportive policy framework alongside practical delivery. Now is the time to seize the opportunity and the port stands ready to work together as a flagship with its UK and EU partners on this exciting journey as the benefits of closer cooperation are realised.”
Discussions will focus on:
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Reducing friction and improving connectivity across air, maritime, rail and road transport
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Harnessing digital and data-driven technologies to modernise borders, logistics and infrastructure
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Supporting efficient, sustainable trade through closer regulatory cooperation and practical solutions for businesses
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Identifying priority actions that can be progressed through existing and emerging UK–EU engagement frameworks
Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the UK Railway Industry Association and UKTiE member, said:
“Better and more effective future UK–EU cooperation on transport and related trade issues could deliver real benefits for businesses, local communities, regions and ultimately the UK, EU and Member States. Focusing on practical solutions is the quickest way to translate policy ambition into economic and connectivity impact, and the Leeds Roundtable should play an important part in defining and developing that agenda.”
The event will provide a platform for open, solutions-focused dialogue between government, regulators, industry, technology providers and civil society, helping to shape deliverable proposals that advance shared UK–EU objectives.
As attention turns from resetting the relationship to delivering tangible results, the Leeds Roundtable will underline the role of transport, technology and trade as foundational pillars of a renewed UK–EU partnership — and issue a clear call to action to accelerate implementation.
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