BRUSSELS: The EU fears international rules are inadequate for post-Brexit Britain and is weighing new methods to crack down if the UK adopts unfair practices to boost its economy, said an official document seen by AFP Thursday.

European Union negotiators made their warning last week in a seminar to diplomats from the 27 remaining member states, which was devoted to how to maintain a “level playing field” after Britain leaves the bloc’s single market.

“International rules do not adequately address the (potential) distortive effects of subsidies on investment, trade and competition,” said a presentation to the diplomats by the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm.

This means “the EU-UK agreement will have to include robust provisions on state aid to ensure a level-playing field with the member states,” it added.

EU rules prevent governments subsidising companies or sectors of the economy — so-called “state aid” — saying it prevents fair competition.

Under the stewardship of chief negotiator Michel Barnier, the European Commission is handling negotiations with Britain for the other 27 countries.

Britain has said it will leave the EU’s single market and customs union and the document is the clearest indication yet that Europe is seeking unique methods to deal with Britain on trade matters after the EU.—AFP