UK edges toward EU ties in volatile times, weighing costs

Amid Ukraine, energy and economic pressures, the UK says it will pursue a pragmatic push to deepen ties with the EU in security and economics, including a food-safety agreement, carbon trading linkage, a youth exchange via Erasmus+, and rejoining Erasmus+. Government ministers insist no re-entry into the single market or customs union, with legislation to align some standards while keeping Brexit red lines. Critics warn of becoming a rule-taker and question costs, as Erasmus+ is projected at about £570m in the first year and Horizon funding at roughly £2.2bn annually, among other concessions that could complicate future independence from EU rules.