Britain could negotiate a closer relationship with the EU within months if it chose a ‘Switzerland plus’ arrangement, a senior European parliament figure has suggested.
Bernd Lange, chair of the parliament’s trade committee, told The Guardian that a deal could be reached quickly once the UK decided what relationship it wanted.
‘I would love to see the UK back,’ he said, praising Britain’s contribution to open markets and democracy.
His proposal would fall short of full EU membership, drawing instead on Switzerland’s network of agreements with the bloc.
What would ‘Switzerland plus’ mean?
Switzerland remains outside the EU but has extensive access to its single market through bilateral agreements.
Its relationship involves free movement of people, alignment with relevant EU rules and financial contributions.
Lange suggested a UK version could offer some political engagement, although it would not provide the full decision-making rights of membership.
He stressed that the choice rested with Britain. His comments were not an announcement of an agreed package or an official negotiating timetable.
For Britons interested in living and working in Spain, free movement would be a particularly significant issue.
Support for British industry
Lange also backed calls for UK businesses to be included in the EU’s proposed ‘Made in Europe’ rules.
The measures could favour European suppliers in public procurement and certain corporate purchases, raising concerns about access for British manufacturers.
He argued that the UK should be included because of its alignment with European environmental and employment standards.
The proposals remain subject to negotiations and parliamentary scrutiny, with Lange pointing to thousands of amendments still to be considered.
