We Can’t Alter Brexit Deal to Appease Car Industry, Says European Commissioner

THE GUARDIAN – EUROPE: Thierry Breton stands firm amid opposition to incoming tariffs on electric vehicle exports between EU and UK

Thierry Breton, the European commissioner for the internal market, said he could not favour one ‘category’ over another. Photograph: Spanish Eu Presidency/EPA
The Brexit trade deal should not be reopened just to satisfy demands from some sectors of the UK and EU motor industry concerned about looming tariffs on electric cars, Thierry Breton, the influential European commissioner, has said. EU leaders have come under pressure to suspend 10% tariffs on electric car exports that are expected to begin in January under the Brexit treaty.

But Breton, who is responsible for the EU internal market and was speaking exclusively to the Guardian, said the commission and EU leaders are bound under competition laws to look at the entire automotive “ecosystem” and not favour one “category” in the industry over the other.

He believes the trade deal should not be unpicked.

“If something has been negotiated, it shouldn’t be changed,” Breton said. » | Lisa O’Carroll in Brussels | Friday, September 22, 2023