Britain is suddenly pining for closer ties with the EU. It's more likely to get the cold shoulder | Anand Menon

"A palpable sense of urgency has emerged in the UK's approach to relations with the European Union. Ministers are beginning to sound enthusiastic, impatient even. The chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has even pointed to Brexit as a major cause of the country's economic travails. You might think that this bodes well for prospects of improved UK-EU relations. But and here's the rub enthusiasm on one side is not enough to drive substantive progress."

"And over the past few weeks, the British tone has shifted still further. I was struck at a conference in Brussels last month by the emphasis placed by Nick Thomas-Symonds, the UK's minister for EU relations, on the need for rapid progress in these various negotiations. The change of tone has perhaps been most marked when it comes to the youth experience scheme."

"Labour in opposition was adamant that it had no plans for such a scheme. Yet last month, Thomas-Symonds told the College of Europe that giving the opportunity for young people to learn and get experience is vital. Reeves, for her part, publicly called for an ambitious scheme, which would be good for the economy, good for growth and good for business."

British ministers have adopted a more urgent, sometimes impatient, tone toward rebuilding relations with the European Union. The chancellor linked Brexit to significant economic difficulties, increasing political pressure to seek rapid gains. Negotiations have produced a long-term fisheries deal and set intentions to address agrifoods, energy, defence, and a youth experience scheme. Ministers and officials are publicly pushing for swift, practical results and for ambitious programs to benefit young people and the economy. Some claimed or reported advances remain premature, illustrating that political enthusiasm does not automatically translate into completed agreements.

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