European Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis indicated that Brussels is open to discussing closer trade ties with the UK, including a customs union and potential cooperation on defense loans. He emphasized the importance of stronger ties amid global uncertainty, while also acknowledging the challenges posed by such arrangements for the UK's independent trade deals. Labour MPs are increasingly calling for a customs union, despite the party's previous manifesto ruling it out. Dombrovskis expressed readiness for discussions on various areas of cooperation, including the single market, while highlighting the need for alignment on key freedoms. Teljes cikk (bbc.com europe)