Brussels/Frankfurt, 3 February 2021 – Commenting on the ongoing difficulties in trade between the EU and the UK, Holger Kunze, Head of VDMA's European office, says:

"Just weeks after the UK's exit from the EU, trade is becoming increasingly complicated and the situation more and more tense. Although the major Brexit chaos did initially not occur, the burdens for mechanical engineering companies are increasing noticeably.

Fitters and service staff need to get to the island quickly and without major obstacles during work assignments. However, there are still many unanswered questions as to which entry regulations currently apply and how they will be interpreted in practice. This leads to great uncertainty and makes long-term projects in particular very difficult to implement in the future.

In addition, the bureaucratic requirements have exploded since the beginning of the year, causing considerable additional costs for companies. Bureaucratic hurdles must be removed as far as possible.

Brexit is not yet cut and dried. It would be helpful if the EU Parliament were to approve the Trade and Cooperation Agreement quickly. But for trade and the movement of goods to function smoothly, further efforts are needed on both sides of the Channel, especially on rules for the posting of workers and the mutual recognition of test reports."

A photo of Holger Kunze, Head of VDMA European Office in Brussels, can be found here.