Finance
UK's Reeves says integration with Europe is biggest prize for economy
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 11, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 11, 2026
Quick Summary
Rachel Reeves highlights the importance of closer economic ties with Europe, viewing it as a significant opportunity for boosting the UK's economy.
UK's Reeves Highlights Closer EU Integration as Key Economic Goal
The Importance of EU Integration for the UK Economy
LONDON, Feb 11 (Reuters) - British finance minister Rachel Reeves will say on Wednesday that closer integration with Europe is the biggest prize when it comes to boosting the economy via international trading relationships.
Economic Blocs and Trading Relationships
"There are three big economic blocs: US, China and Europe," Reeves was expected to say in a speech, some excerpts of which were shared with media by the finance ministry.
Government's Approach to EU Regulations
"We will always seek every opportunity to grow our economy and these trading relationships but ultimately only one of these is on our doorstep, and so the biggest prize is closer integration with Europe."
Political Context and Challenges
Reeves was due to say that Britain would align with EU regulations only when it was in the national interest, according to The Telegraph newspaper.
Reeves and Prime Minister Keir Starmer - who has been fighting for his political survival this week - are trying to honour their promises to voters to speed up Britain's economy.
However, the government has trod a careful line on how to improve ties with the European Union, wary of angering supporters of the Brexit decision to leave the bloc almost 10 years ago.
In April last year, Reeves said Britain's trading relationship with Europe was "arguably even more important" than its ties with the United States, due to the country's proximity to the EU.
(Writing by William Schomberg; editing by William James)
Key Takeaways
- •Rachel Reeves emphasizes closer ties with Europe.
- •Economic integration is seen as a major opportunity.
- •Europe is one of the three major economic blocs.
- •Closer trading relationships can boost the UK economy.
- •Europe is geographically closest to the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions about UK's Reeves says integration with Europe is biggest prize for economy
1What is economic integration?
Economic integration refers to the process where countries reduce trade barriers and coordinate economic policies to enhance trade and investment among them.
2What are key economic blocs?
Key economic blocs are groups of countries that come together to promote trade and economic cooperation, such as the US, China, and the European Union.
3What is the UK economy?
The UK economy is the economic system of the United Kingdom, characterized by a mix of private and public enterprises, and influenced by global trade and finance.
4What is Brexit?
Brexit refers to the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, impacting trade, economic policies, and relationships with EU member states.
