UK pursues EU single market access; Brussels rejects proposal outright

The UK has proposed rejoining the EU's single market, but Brussels has rejected the bid, according to reporting from DW News and analysis from the Bruegel think tank. The rejection marks a significant setback to UK efforts to ease post-Brexit trade friction with its largest trading partner. The proposal reflected growing recognition that UK businesses face heightened costs and regulatory barriers under current arrangements. The EU's refusal signals limited appetite in Brussels for major concessions to the UK absent deeper political integration.