"We must further build the EU-UK relationship, especially in areas where we can be strong together such as energy security, defence and technology" said ECR member Ilpo Heltimoinen in the debate on the EU-UK relationship held at the European Committee of the Regions' plenary session. 

Cooperation in strategic domains can only enhance our collective resilience and sends a strong signal to the international community that, despite Brexit, the EU and the UK remain committed to common values. Mr Heltimoinen highlighted how "there is so much opportunity for cooperation at sub-national level and the CoR-UK Contact Group can serve as a key body for this". At the same time, economic cooperation "remains a challenge". The Trade and Cooperation Agreement is the foundation, but "we must ensure that it is working for everyone, especially SMEs".

Mr Heltimoinen underlined the importance of simplifying bureaucracy and custom checks as they hurt smaller businesses. "Simplifying these processes and tailoring regulatory approaches to various sectors will be key to promoting fair and sustainable trade", he concluded.