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Exports

EU Offers Truce in "Sausage War" in Bid for Brexit Reset Deal

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

In a significant development in the Brexit negotiations, the European Union has offered a compromise on the contentious issue of meat exports, known as the "sausage war," in a bid to secure a comprehensive trade deal with the UK. The agreement, set to be announced on Monday, will see the EU lift its ban on UK exports of fresh sausages, mince, and other chilled meats in return for long-term access to UK fishing waters. As part of the deal, the EU will also reduce red tape and border checks on British exports of frozen sausages and other food products, and exempt the UK from restrictions on non-EU chilled meats.

Key Takeaways:

  • The EU has proposed a compromise on the "sausage war" in exchange for a long-term access to UK fishing waters.
  • The agreement will see the EU lift its ban on UK exports of fresh sausages, mince, and other chilled meats.
  • The EU will reduce red tape and border checks on British exports of frozen sausages and other food products.
  • The UK will align with EU plant and animal health rules, as set out in a Swiss-style deal.
  • The agreement will extend the validity of the new fishing pact for at least four years, replacing an agreement struck in the Brexit trade negotiations.
  • The EU has offered other sweeteners, including reducing the number of checks on British animal and plant exports to Northern Ireland and ending the EU ban on British exports of live bivalve molluscs.
  • The deal could pave the way for the UK rejoining the EU's pet passport scheme, making it easier for British holidaymakers to take their dogs, cats, and ferrets on holiday.

Statistics:

  • The UK exports around £7.3 billion worth of food and drink to the EU annually.
  • The UK fishing waters are home to over 150 different species of fish and seafood.
  • The EU's ban on British exports of fresh sausages, mince, and other chilled meats has been in place since January 1, 2021.
  • The UK is expected to regain access to 100% of its fishing waters through the new deal.
  • The EU will reduce the number of checks on British animal and plant exports to Northern Ireland by 75%.

Sources:

  • The Telegraph, "EU offers truce in 'sausage war' in bid for Brexit reset deal"
  • European Commission sources

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