The European Union has indicated it is prepared to approach potential discussions on a customs union with the United Kingdom with an open mind, signalling a possible shift in the tone of post-Brexit engagement.

A senior EU official said there is no ideological barrier to examining proposals from London, provided they are coherent, realistic and aligned with the bloc’s legal and economic frameworks.

The comments come as the UK government continues to reset its relationship with Brussels, seeking to ease trade frictions and improve economic ties without formally re-entering the single market.

While the UK has not made a formal proposal for a customs union, senior figures in London have acknowledged that closer alignment in certain areas could help reduce costs for businesses and stabilise supply chains disrupted since Brexit.

From the EU’s perspective, any customs arrangement would require clear commitments, including common external tariffs and mechanisms to ensure fair competition.

Officials stressed that the integrity of the single market remains non-negotiable, but noted that the bloc has previously demonstrated flexibility in crafting bespoke arrangements with neighbouring countries when political will exists on both sides.

The renewed openness reflects a broader effort by the EU to manage relations with the UK pragmatically, particularly amid shared challenges such as geopolitical instability, energy security and slowing economic growth.

European officials emphasised that meaningful progress would depend on detailed UK proposals and sustained political engagement rather than rhetoric.

The remarks stop short of signalling imminent negotiations, but they underscore a softening stance compared with earlier years, when customs union discussions were largely dismissed.

As London and Brussels prepare for upcoming diplomatic and trade meetings, the possibility of exploring a closer customs relationship is emerging as part of a wider conversation about recalibrating the post-Brexit settlement.