EU-UK Procurement-Based Trade Relations After Brexit: Some Thoughts

Abstract

In this paper, I reflect on the main types of gains derived from the regulation of public procurement in the context of the EU internal market that are at stake post-Brexit. Despite the difficulties in identifying and quantifying advantages derived from EU procurement rules, I submit that they can be seen as a major enterprise in (i) dismantling non-tariff barriers to trade in public markets, (ii) fostering administrative cooperation as a trade-facilitation strategy, and (iii) boosting the enforceability of a rules-based system. On this basis, I suggest that a future EU-UK Free Trade Agreement covering public procurement should prioritise collaboration aimed at (i) preventing the reappearance non-tariff barriers, (ii) fostering continued administrative cooperation, and (iii) retaining the enforceability of the rules of the future EU-UK FTA. I conclude with some thoughts on the peculiar dynamics that can ensue in the negotiation of a future EU-UK FTA.