Together with British Ambassador Andrew Mitchell (pictured 2nd from left) and political scientist Birgit Bujard (right), Klemens Kober (2nd from right) debated on June 14th in the forum "Bye Bye Britain? 10 years since the Brexit vote", moderated by Mirjam Meinhardt (left), about the current state and perspectives of relations between the United Kingdom (UK) and Germany or the EU.

Trade data reveals the damage

From an economic standpoint, Brexit represents "a clear lose-lose situation," stated Kober, referring to trade data: For example, the UK, which was Germany’s fifth most important trading partner before Brexit, temporarily dropped out of the top ten. It has since managed to recover slightly.

The DIHK expert spoke about close economic ties: Around 2,500 German companies operate in the UK with an investment capital stock of 153 billion euros. Such interconnectedness, especially in the service trade, works through the Single Market. With Brexit, friction has arisen here. For example, companies now need significantly more personnel to handle customs formalities. Kober explained, "These were all things that were not necessary before."

EU-UK summit could result in important agreements

The German-British Kensington Treaty on friendship and bilateral cooperation, signed in mid-2025, is seen by Kober as a sign that both sides have recognised the damage caused. "This sign in itself is incredibly valuable," he remarked.

He hopes for concrete progress from the upcoming summit between the EU and the UK: a veterinary agreement to simplify agricultural trade, harmonization of emissions trading systems, and the removal of duplicate certifications. A regulation for short-term business trips is also urgently needed: those who deliver technical products must also provide training and maintenance – which the British Sponsorship Scheme currently hinders.

Building trust through better collaboration

The hope of the German economy, Kober said, is clear: Over the next few years, gradually improved cooperation should build so much trust that the UK and the EU can work "hand in hand on all relevant issues" – without frictions in trade and investments.

Listen to the entire debate on rbb24 Inforadio's website.