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Minutes: Trade Specialised Committee on Level Playing Field for Open and Fair Competition and Sustainable Development under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement: fourth meeting, 9 October 2024

Updated 10 September 2025

The Fourth Trade Specialised Committee on Level Playing Field for Open and Fair Competition and Sustainable Development under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement

9 October 2024, Brussels

Joint Minutes

The fourth meeting of the Trade Specialised Committee on Level Playing Field for Open and Fair Competition and Sustainable Development (‘the Committee’) under the Agreement between the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) for Trade and Cooperation (“the TCA”) took place on 9 October 2024 in Brussels.

The representatives from the United Kingdom and European Union discussed the following points:

I. Introduction/opening session

The EU and UK co-Chairs opened the discussion, introduced their teams, and formally adopted the agenda for the meeting.

The EU and UK co-chairs underlined their mutual commitment to the full and faithful implementation of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement as highlighted in the Joint Statement following the meeting between European Commission President Von Der Leyen and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

II. Discussion on issues related to subsidy control and competition

1) UK Subsidy Control Matters

1a) UK Investment approach including the National Wealth Fund

The UK gave a presentation on the National Wealth Fund, which was announced by the Chancellor on 9 July 2024. The UK noted the National Wealth Fund is a key part of the Government’s Growth Mission and will play an important role in delivering the future Industrial Strategy and Net Zero Strategy.

The UK also gave an update on the state of play of previous Government announcements in the Autumn Statement 2023, including the UK Battery Strategy and the Advanced Manufacturing Plan. The UK explained that the UK Battery Strategy will remain in place, but clarified that the Strategy itself did not include any new subsidies. As regards the future of the Advanced Manufacturing Plan, the UK explained it will be decided as part of the next Spending Review. 

The EU reiterated its interest in these measures. It recalled the importance that the subsidies granted under the fund comply with the subsidy provisions of the TCA. The EU also drew attention that these schemes be designed in a manner that does not create a negative effect on trade or investment between the EU and the UK. The UK reiterated that these schemes had been designed in full compliance of the UK’s international obligations, including those under the TCA. The EU and UK agreed to have a follow up technical exchange should there be new developments on the National Wealth Fund.

1b) The Great British Energy Bill

The UK gave an update on the Great British Energy Bill. The Bill was introduced in Parliament in July 2024 and was going through its legislative passage. The UK explained that the Bill would create a publicly owned clean energy company called Great British Energy which has been designed to drive clean energy deployment in the UK. Great British Energy will have a capitalisation of £8.3 billion over this Parliament.

The EU reiterated its interest in the evolution of the Bill and the creation of the publicly owned company Great British Energy. It recalled the importance that any subsidy granted under the Bill is compliant with subsidy provisions of the TCA. The UK confirmed that Great British Energy will be fully compliant with the UK’s international obligations, including those under the TCA. The EU and UK agreed to have follow up technical exchanges should there be new developments on the measure.

1c) Update on enforcement of the UK Subsidy Control Regime and updates on the implementation of the previous subsidy schemes

The EU requested an update on several enforcement aspects of the UK Subsidy Control Regime. In particular, the EU asked questions on the functioning of the UK Subsidy Transparency Database. The UK considered that the subsidy control regime was functioning effectively. The UK explained that the transparency database is working well and granting authorities are registering subsidies. The UK also explained that there is an ongoing programme of outreach to raise awareness among granting authorities. The UK also considers the 1-month period to challenge a subsidy since its publication in the UK database as appropriate, as the UK explained that in practice most complainants are likely to be aware of the subsidy considerably before this point. 

The EU asked questions on the enforcement activities of the Subsidy Advice Unit of the UK Competition and Markets Authority. The UK provided an update on numbers of subsidies referred to the Subsidy Advice Unit and explained that granting authorities take its advice very seriously.

The EU also asked questions on the state of play of enforcement by UK Courts and Tribunals as well as on the implementation of the remedy of recovery of unlawfully granted subsidies. The UK explained that few subsidy cases have been challenged before Courts, but that could be explained because it is a new Subsidy Framework. The UK further explained that recovery is a remedy available to Courts and Tribunals to recover unlawful subsidies, but due to the nature of the cases heard so far it has not been used to date.  

The EU asked whether subsidies granted through primary legislation could be referred to the Subsidy Advice Unit, as is the case for other subsidies. The UK explained that constitutionally, mandatory referral would not be possible, but that granting authorities can always voluntarily refer such subsidies to the Subsidy Advice Unit. The UK also explained that TCA obligations apply to subsidies granted under primary legislation.

The UK explained that the Freeports and Investment Zones designated under the previous UK Government remained active. Further announcements on the new Government’s plans and funding for Freeports and Investment Zones are expected at the Autumn Budget as part of the UK’s Spending Review process. 

The EU recalled that both the enforcement of the UK Subsidy Control Regime, as well as the UK Freeports and Investment Zones policies are of great interest for the EU. The EU recalled the importance of these policies complying with international and TCA subsidy control commitments, in particular as regards their potential effect on trade or investment. The UK highlighted that, in its view, the Freeports and Investment Zone policies are in line with TCA commitments. The UK noted the importance going forward of both parties exchanging information on how we discharge our subsidy control commitments under the TCA. The EU and UK agreed on having technical exchanges should there be new developments on these policy areas.

1d) Subsidies to offshore wind energy: UK introduction of Sustainable Industry Rewards in Contracts for Difference and EU approach on inclusion of non-price factors in Contracts for Difference

The UK spoke about the Sustainable Industry Rewards in Contracts for Difference, noting that the Government had yet to take a decision on whether the scheme will be implemented. The EU expressed concerns that in its view, the Sustainable Industry Rewards criteria may have a negative effect on trade or investment for the EU. The EU’s view is that the measure, as it is designed, aims to incentivise participants to set up investments in the UK offshore wind supply chain, to the detriment of investment in a “foreign” supply chain. The UK explained that, in its view, this scheme would not be discriminatory and had not been designed to the detriment of investment into other countries. Should it be implemented, the scheme would provide extra revenue support to offshore wind developers who choose to invest in more sustainable wind supply chains. The UK explained that, in its view, the scheme had been developed in full consideration of TCA commitments.

The EU gave an update on the inclusion of non-price factors in Contracts for Difference in the EU. The EU explained that non-price factors may be used in Contracts for Difference in the EU provided that they are designed in an objective, transparent, and non-discriminatory manner. Provisions relating to the use of non-price criteria are laid down in the Climate Energy and Environmental Guidelines, the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework and the Net Zero Act. In addition, the Commission adopted a Recommendation on auction design for renewable energy in 2024.

The UK asked about the approach adopted as regards resilience in the Net Zero Industry Act and whether it represented a shift of focus from sustainability to resilience as well as whether the existing cap of 30% for non-price criteria will be increased over time. The EU responded that sustainability and resilience are not incompatible objectives. The EU also explained that under the Climate Energy and Environmental Guidelines price remains the most important criteria. In addition, the 30% for non-price criteria needs to be duly justified. The EU explained that there are no official announcements on whether the 30% cap would be amended.

Both the EU and UK agreed to have a technical exchange on the inclusion of non-price factors in their respective Contracts for Difference.

2) EU subsidy control matters

2a) Competitiveness measures announced in the Political Guidelines for the next European Commission, including the Clean Industrial Deal

The EU gave an update on the Competitiveness measures announced in the Political Guidelines for the Next European Commission (2024-2029). The EU explained that building on Europe’s competitiveness is one of the main objectives of the Political Guidelines, which have announced a set of measures to further ensure competitiveness, prosperity, and fairness in Europe.

The EU’s presentation focused on several aspects of the Guidelines that are related to the level playing field, notably the Clean Industrial Deal, the Clean Trade and Investment Partnership, the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act and the Competitiveness Fund. The EU also noted that these are policy announcements and that further details on the design of these policies would be expected after the appointment of the new European Commission.

The UK noted its interest in the Draghi report and competitiveness measures announced in the Political Guidelines. In particular, the UK asked questions on the interaction with previous policies, such as the Green Deal Industrial Plan and the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), and the proposed new revisions to competition policy. The UK argued that the EU level funding picture was complex and asked the EU how transparency will be ensured.

The EU’s view is that the Political Guidelines confirm the EU will stay the course on the goals set out in the European Green Deal. The EU also outlined that a new approach to competition policy, proposed in the Political Guidelines, will support companies scaling up in global markets while ensuring a level playing field. The Clean Trade Investment Partnership, also announced in the Political Guidelines, will help secure supply of raw materials, clean energy and clean tech from across the world. On EU funds, the EU replied that there are already mechanisms that ensure their transparency of the EU funds. The EU also explained that, in its view, any subsidy measures granted under these policy initiatives will be designed and implemented in compliance with the TCA and other international obligations.

2b) The Green Deal Industrial Plan: implementation of the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF)

The EU gave an update on the implementation of the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF), in particular the mechanisms provided for in Section 2.8 (point 86) TCTF. The EU explained that the Commission has adopted one decision on the basis of point 86 of the TCTF concerning a subsidy to support the production of batteries for electric vehicles. The EU noted that, in its view, the TCTF is fully compliant with the TCA obligations and that these obligations were taken into account when applying Section 2.8.

The UK explained that it is following the implementation of the TCTF with great interest as it may have an effect on trade and investment. The UK had questions on the evidentiary thresholds and asked whether, given the Mission letters to Commissioner-designates, the EU expected non-crisis measures in the TCTF would extend beyond the current expiry date. With regard to the evidentiary thresholds, the EU explained that in line with its case practice, the evidence that Member States have to produce must comply with the requirements set out in Section 2.8 of the TCTF. In particular, all evidence must be credible, i.e. genuine and relevant to the decision-making factors prevalent at the time of the decision by the aid beneficiary regarding the investment. The EU also explained that the non-crisis measures in the current TCTF remain in force until the end of 2025. Therefore, at the moment it is premature to advance whether the non-crisis measures in the TCTF will be extended.

2c) Foreign Subsidy Regulation: update on implementation

The EU gave an update on the implementation of the Foreign Subsidy Regulation. The EU also explained the notion of distortion under the Foreign Subsidy Regulation and how it has been applied in practice.

The UK noted it shared the EU’s concern around distortive foreign subsidies and agreed that market distorting practices should not be allowed to undermine competition. The UK stated it was following the developments of the Regulation with great interest but had concerns that it did not recognise UK subsidies were subject to a high level of scrutiny, given our shared TCA commitments. This had created uncertainty, even for firms in receipt of compliant UK subsidies, operating in the Single Market about how to navigate the Foreign Subsidy Regulation and that this may have an effect on investment. The UK also asked for clarification on ex-officio powers, the indicators for distortions and encouraged for further guidance to be published ahead of 2026. The EU clarified the notion of distortion under Article 4 and 5 of the Foreign Subsidy Regulation. The EU also explained that the Foreign Subsidy Regulation applies to any foreign subsidy that distorts the internal market by being liable to improve the competitive position of an undertaking and where, in doing so, that foreign subsidy actually or potentially negatively affects competition in the internal market. The only exception relates to subsidies covered by the ASCM agreement for which there are Trade Defence Instruments in place. The EU confirmed the Commission stands ready to give guidance to businesses on its implementation, including during the pre-notification phase of a concentration.

2d) Short-term export credit

The UK requested an exchange of views with the EU on how the EU interpreted a possible textual discrepancy between the EU’s Communication on Short Term Export Credit Insurance (STEC Communication) and equivalent provisions in the TCA. According to the UK, Point 19(a) of the STEC Communication is replicated in Article 367 of the TCA, but points 19(b)-(d) of the STEC Communication may not be covered.

The EU explained that it is undisputed that Point 19(a) of STEC is addressed in the TCA as Article 367 (9) and (10) explicitly outline the process of temporary removal of a country from the group of marketable risk countries. The UK agreed that this is undisputed.

Moreover, it is the EU’s view that Points 19 (b)-(d) of the STEC are also covered in the TCA as they fall under the broadest definition of “non-marketable risks” of Article 367 (8)(a) of the TCA. The EU drew attention to the broader scope of Article 367 8(a), compared to the definition of non-marketable risk countries as described in point 19(a) of STEC Communication.

Therefore, while not explicitly defined, it is the EU’s view that the category “non-marketable risks” includes all non-marketable risks listed in STEC under points 19(a)-(d). The EU considered this to have been the intention of the negotiators of the TCA when these provisions were agreed.

The UK took note of the EU’s view on its interpretation of Points 19 (b)-(d) of the STEC Communication in light of Article 367 (8) of the TCA. Both parties agreed to have a follow up technical discussion on the matter.

3) UK Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act

The UK gave an update on the UK Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCC), which received Royal Assent on 24 May 2024. In particular, the UK gave an update on the state of the implementation and entry into force of the DMCC. The UK explained that the government is currently preparing secondary legislation to implement the DMCC. In addition to secondary legislation, guidance will be issued by the CMA.

The EU asked questions on the role and the new investigative powers of the Digital Markets Unit, on the new merger control regime and its lower thresholds for mandatory reporting, as well as on enforcement of new competition law provisions. 

4) EU competition policy: update on implementation of the Digital Markets Act

The EU gave an update on the recent developments on EU competition policy, notably on the implementation of the Digital Markets Act (DMA). In particular, the EU gave an update on gatekeeper designations, compliance reports as well as next steps, such as the possible revision of the DMA, and cooperation with the CMA.

The UK asked questions on the Commission’s enforcement experience, in particular as regards cooperation with the designated gatekeepers and measures taken or envisaged to be taken to achieve compliance. The UK noted this is an area of shared interest and welcome continued exchanges on this topic.

5) EU-UK Competition Cooperation Agreement: update

The UK and the EU took stock of the progress of the negotiation relating to the Competition Cooperation Agreement provided for in Article 361 TCA. The Parties noted that they had reached a mutually acceptable text at technical level.

The Competition Cooperation Agreement is a “first generation” cooperation agreement which provides for a framework to existing cooperation activities and allows for Cooperation of the Commission and competition authorities of EU Member States when they apply EU competition law to cooperate with the UK Competition Markets Authority. Party waivers will still be necessary when exchanging confidential information. Both parties welcomed progress and noted this was a positive step towards UK-EU cooperation on competition enforcement.

III. Discussion on issues related to labour and social standards, direct taxation, environment and climate:

6) Direct taxation: Dialogue on Harmful Taxation

Both Parties took stock of the Dialogue on Harmful Taxation. The Joint Political Declaration on Countering Harmful Tax Regimes provides that the European Union and the United Kingdom should hold an annual dialogue on such matters. The first dialogue was scheduled to take place on 10 October 2024, in Brussels.

The Parties took note of the main areas of discussion, notably on the application of the principles on countering harmful tax regimes. In particular, the first meeting would be focused on recent developments and future challenges linked to the Two Pillar Approach on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (OECD BEPS project) and the ongoing work at the United Nations for a Framework Tax Convention.

7) UK and EU labour policy updates

7a) Updates on previous and new legislative developments, including the Plan to Make Work Pay and the Employment Rights Bill

The UK gave an update on the Plan to Make Work Pay and explained that the Plan sets out the agenda to ensure workplace rights are fit for a modern economy, to empower working people and to deliver economic growth. The UK detailed that the first step of this Plan was the introduction of the Employment Rights Bill which, amongst other areas of employment rights reform, will update trade union legislation, including repealing the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023.

The EU welcomed recent labour policy developments in the UK, namely the Employment Rights Bill, and the repeal of the Strikes (Minimum Service Levels) Act 2023 which was raised at the Trade Specialised Committee on Level Playing Field in 2023. The EU asked about plans relating to the Fair Work Agency, the Single Enforcement Body, which the UK noted would be set up in the future. The EU also asked about the state of play of several consultations launched under the previous government relating to employment tribunal fees, changes to collective consultation rights, rolled up holiday pay and recording of working hours. The UK explained that the priority of this government was the Plan to Make Work Pay and that it would inform the EU, as well as the UK and EU Domestic Advisory Groups, of any further updates in these areas.

The Parties agreed to have further technical exchanges on these matters should there be new developments on these UK labour policies. 

7b) EU legislative and policy updates: EU Platform Work Directive and EU-UK cooperation at the ILO on the instrument being developed on platform work

The EU gave a presentation on the EU Platform Work Directive. The EU explained that the Directive is an important step forward to improve working conditions and data rights for people working on digital labour platforms. The new rules are aimed at increasing working standards for platform workers through improved working conditions and the protection of personal data in platform work.

The UK asked questions on the impact of the Directive on self-employed workers, on the potential number of Court cases due to the reversed burden of proof, and on the flexibilities for employees. The EU explained that the EU carried out an Impact Assessment where all these aspects were addressed. The EU highlighted that it is not about removing the flexibilities for self-employed workers, but about improving the working conditions of platform workers. The EU also explained that the impact on Court cases would need to be assessed once the Directive is transposed in the Member States.

The EU and the UK had an exchange on existing cooperation at the ILO on the instrument being developed on platform work. The EU and the UK reiterated their shared ambition and expressed their willingness to further cooperate towards the preparation of the next ILO Conference.

8) EU and UK environmental and climate policy updates

8a) UK update on financing nature restoration: Biodiversity Net Gain

The UK gave an update on the Biodiversity Net Gain initiative, which entered into force in February 2024. Its objective is to improve nature restoration in the UK through the introduction of a mandatory requirement to deliver a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain.

The EU asked questions on its implementation, the methodology and its metrics as well as its mandatory character. The UK noted the reference to nature credits in the Mission letter for the Commissioner-designate for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy. Both parties agreed to the possibility of having technical exchanges if new developments arise on the matter.

8b) Environmental Regulators Cooperation under Article 395 of the TCA

The Parties welcomed the start of the cooperation between our respective supervisory bodies under Article 395 of the TCA. The Parties recalled that Article 395 of the TCA provides for a mechanism between the European Commission and the corresponding supervisory bodies of the UK to cooperate on the effective monitoring and enforcement of the law with regard to environment and climate as referred to in the TCA.

The Parties agreed that such a cooperation mechanism does not substitute the Trade Specialised Committee on Level Playing Field and that issues of importance should be raised in that Committee.

8c) UK climate policy updates: UK ETS implementation

The UK gave an update on its climate policy and on the implementation of the UK ETS. As regards UK Climate Policy, the UK explained two missions: (1) Clean power by 2030 by increasing the deployment of renewables (onshore and offshore wind, solar PV) and investing in carbon capture and storage/use and green hydrogen; (2) and accelerating to net zero through leading a Global Clean Power Alliance, bringing together a coalition of countries to accelerate the clean energy transition.

As regards the implementation of UK ETS, the UK explained that the UK ETS was an essential part of its approach to cutting emissions and driving green investment. The UK explained that the ETS cap has been reduced and aligned with the net zero target so that sectors covered would decarbonise at the pace required to contribute to achieving the UK’s climate goals. The UK is also expanding the UK ETS to waste incineration and the UK ETS Authority is considering how greenhouse gas removals can be brought into the UK ETS. The UK is currently evaluating responses to consultations in both these areas.

As regards aviation, the EU had questions on maintaining effective carbon pricing for aviation in UK ETS when the UK considers implementing CORSIA as well as on whether the UK would introduce a monitoring, reporting and verifying system for aviation’s non-CO2 climate effects. The UK explained that there were ongoing policy considerations regarding implementing CORSIA alongside the UK ETS and the UK would publish a public consultation on its plans in due course. As regards to aviation’s non-CO2 climate effects, the UK explained it was considering different options for how non-CO2 effects could be monitored in the UK in addition to supporting academic and industry led research, through the UK’s non-CO2 research and development programme. The UK noted it recognised that large scientific uncertainties remain and would see value in a discussion with the EU on the matter.

The EU also asked questions on whether the UK intended to have international maritime transport covered under the UK ETS as the EU has done with the Green Deal and Fit for 55 reforms. The UK explained that it would extend the UK ETS to domestic maritime transport and that there will be further consultations coming up on the matter in the future.

The EU expressed interest in the UK’s working approach to the inclusion of waste incineration and waste to energy in the UK ETS. In addition, both Parties had a useful exchange on the considerations around integration of carbon removals in an ETS.

The EU and the UK agreed to have follow up technical exchanges on the EU ETS and the UK ETS implementation, including on waste, carbon removals and aviation’s non-CO2 climate effects.

8d) EU climate policy updates: implementation of EU ETS, Fit for 55 package and National Energy and Climate Plans

The EU gave an update on its climate policy. The Political Guidelines for the next Commission reiterate the objective to stay the course on the goals set out in the European Green Deal. The Political Guidelines also reflect a commitment to proposing an economy-wide 90% reduction in emissions for 2040. 

The EU also gave an update on its implementation of the Fit for 55 package and the EU ETS. The EU explained that the implementation of the Fit for 55 package is at full speed. The review of the EU ETS that entered into force in June 2023, strengthens and extends the EU ETS in order to bring it in line with the binding emission reduction targets set in the European Climate Law for 2030 (net -55% compared to 1990) to be on the way to climate-neutrality by 2050. The ambition of the EU ETS has been substantially strengthened by reducing the cap on emissions, reinforcing the Market Stability Reserve and expanding the system’s scope to the EU’s fair share of CO2 emissions from the maritime sector. The EU is a frontrunner in putting a price on emissions from the maritime sector.

As regards the aviation sector, the EU explained free allowances would be phased out by 2026. Until 1 January 2027, EU carbon pricing will apply to flights within the EU/EEA and departing flights to Switzerland and the UK.

The EU highlighted that the rules for the monitoring and reporting of non-CO2 aviation climate effects would come into force as of 2025, with the EU taking the first steps in regulating this area.

The EU also mentioned its increased focus on carbon markets outreach and a dedicated taskforce set up for this purpose.

The EU also gave a presentation on the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) which outline how EU Member States intend to meet the EU energy and climate targets for 2030. The EU explained that these plans cover key areas, such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions, renewable energy and energy efficiency. NECPs are critical for ensuring the EU delivers on the European Green Deal and meets its legally binding climate targets.

The UK asked questions on the climate diplomacy task force on carbon markets. The EU explained that the taskforce had only started taking shape and would be formulating its engagement strategy in the coming months. The UK also asked questions on the implementation of the NECPs. The EU explained that the Commission was still carrying out its analysis of the Member States’ updated NECPs.

IV. Discussion on issues related to other instruments for trade and sustainable development

9) EU Corporate Sustainability and Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)

The EU provided an overview of the EU Corporate Sustainability and Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which entered into force on 25 July 2024. The EU explained that the objective of the Directive is to ensure responsible business conduct and corporate responsibility of companies for adverse human rights and environmental impacts in their own operations and values chains, in line with the objectives of Article 406 of the TCA.

The UK asked questions on the implementation work as well as whether the EU intends to publish guidelines. The EU explained that under the Directive, the Commission is tasked with preparing various guidance documents, including guidelines on all the core aspects of the due diligence problems, risks factors, use of digital tools and model contracts. The EU also explained that there will be a public consultation where the EU would seek input from stakeholders. The EU also explained that it is intended to create an EU Helpdesk and a network of supervisors at the level of Member States. There are also ongoing projects to work with international partners on raising awareness about the new rules introduced by the CSDDD.

10) EU Forced Labour Regulation and UK Modern Slavery Act

The EU provided an overview of the EU Forced Labour Regulation. The EU explained that the Regulation is at the final stages of the legislative process, with its adoption expected to be at the end of 2024 and application at the end of 2027. The Regulation creates a market ban that applies to all products made with forced labour irrespective of their origin. The market bans will be based on evidence gathered through an investigation into the specific product. The Commission will put in place several tools (such as a risk database and guidelines) to support implementation.

The UK asked questions on its implementation, notably on its impacts on customs processes, coordination between EU competent authorities, enforcement of the Regulation for online platforms based outside the EU and appeals by non-EU businesses regarding decisions to ban products. The EU explained that decisions banning a product would be enforced by Member States’ competent authorities within their respective territories and by customs authorities at the EU border. The EU Forced Labour Product Network will be the main platform for structured cooperation between EU Member States and the Commission to achieve coherent implementation and enforcement practices across the EU. The EU explained that the Regulation also applies to products offered via distance sale (including online) to EU consumers and that a product is considered to be made available on the EU market if the offer for sale is targeted at end-users in the Union. Finally, the EU highlighted that the review system applies under the same conditions both to EU and non-EU businesses whose products have been banned.

The UK gave an overview on the UK Modern Slavery Act, which lays down supply chain transparency requirements for businesses. A single platform has been created as a registry for businesses’ modern slavery statements and the guidance on reporting is currently being updated.

The EU had questions on whether there are developments expected in the future regarding UK legislation on modern slavery/forced labour as well as on its overall impact and implementation challenges. The UK explained that there has been significant uptake from business, that the transparency provisions have helped raise awareness and that this issue of modern slavery is being discussed in businesses’ boardrooms for the first time. As regards future developments regarding the Act, the UK explained that the new government has stated its commitment to improving our response to modern slavery, and that it is too soon to share any new developments at this stage.  

The EU and the UK agreed that this is an area of shared interest and agreed to have future technical discussions on the matter.

V. Closing Remarks

Both Parties took note of the good and extensive discussions during the Committee. Both Parties noted that technical exchanges had been agreed which would support more focused exchanges in the Committee itself.

The Parties agreed that any technical discussions should be limited to a technical exchange of information and should not create parallel structures to the Committee. The Parties agreed that any technical exchanges should be held under the aegis of the Committee and that the conclusions of any technical meetings should be brought to the Committee.

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

UK DELEGATION

• UK Co-chair and Secretary of the Trade Specialised Committee for Open and Fair Competition and Sustainable Development

• UK Government Officials from FCDO, DBT, DEFRA, DESNZ, HMT, DfT, DWP, HO, UKEF

• UK Government Officials from the UK Mission to the European Union

• Scottish Government Officials

• Northern Irish Civil Service Officials

• Welsh Government Officials

EU DELEGATION

• EU Co-chairs and Secretaries of the Trade Specialised Committee for Open and Fair Competition and Sustainable Development

• European Commission Officials (TRADE, COMP, SecGen, GROW, JUST, ENER, ENV, CLIMA, EMPL)

• EU Officials from Delegation of the European Union to the UK

• Representatives of EU Member States