Brittany Ferries CEO Christophe Mathieu welcomed reports that the UK and EU have agreed positive, post-Brexit changes to cross border transport. The changes promise less friction and less paperwork for hauliers and exporters who rely on seaborne links connecting the UK with France and Spain.

Reported by the BBC today (3 November 2026), the agreement includes an end to cumbersome checks on food and agricultural exports – described as a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) deal.

Pet passports would also return while the plan is reported to include the introduction of a youth travel and work scheme.

Implementation date is not clear, but Brittany Ferries says the changes can’t come soon enough.

“Finally, we have positive news on cross border transport,” said Mathieu from the company’s base in Brittany. “The agreement will mean lower costs for transporters, greater fluidity across borders and less pain for exporters of goods like fresh fish and agricultural products. This is a major step forward and we salute governments on both sides of the Channel for their pragmatism and common sense.

He added:

“We also welcome plans to improve prospects for young people and the aim to reintroduce the pet passports scheme. We carry around 100,000 cats and dogs every year, so it’s not just our human customers who will benefit from this historic agreement

Brittany Ferries began operating on the day after the UK joined the EEC (forerunner to EU) 2 January 1973. Originally a freight-only business, it was set up to exploit opportunities that new cross-border trade promised farmers and hauliers operating in northwest France. Soon thereafter, southwest England. It became a passenger and holiday business two years later.