Five European leaders call for closer EU-UK ties ahead of Brussels summit
Summary
Leaders from Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Denmark urged the EU and UK to deepen cooperation on clean energy ahead of a 20 November summit in Brussels. They want the sides to agree on a path for Britain to rejoin the EU’s internal electricity market, which they say could support North Sea energy development and lower costs, though a deal may involve a UK contribution to EU funds.Key Facts
- The five leaders sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa.
- The Brussels summit is scheduled for 20 November, with UK leader Andy Burnham expected to attend.
- The planned summit agenda includes agreements on food and drink, carbon emissions and youth exchanges.
- The leaders urged the EU and UK to speed up negotiations on Britain’s return to the EU’s internal electricity market.
- The letter said closer integration could help develop the North Sea into a major clean-energy hub.
- A UK return to the market could require payments to EU cohesion funds, which support development in poorer regions.
- Energy UK estimated in 2024 that the current relationship could add £10bn in costs for Britain from 2024 to 2029.
- Michel Barnier said Britain could not rejoin the EU single market by choosing only some of its rules and freedoms.
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