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Britain is willing to discuss paying towards infrastructure schemes in poorer parts of the EU in return for access to the European electricity market, according to the minister in charge of renegotiating the bilateral relationship.
Hamish Falconer, the cabinet minister in charge of EU talks, told the Guardian he was sure the two sides would discuss the issue after this month’s summit, as ministers look to deepen ties with the union over the next few years.
Andy Burnham, the prime minister, has said he wants a much closer relationship with the EU in the future, even raising the possibility of rejoining as a full member. But while senior figures in Brussels have said they are keen to discuss such an idea, they also want to see the UK begin to start paying for access to the European schemes it says it wants.
This weekend five European leaders welcomed the UK’s desire to join the European electricity market, but said Britain would have to pay into a so-called “cohesion fund” in order to do so.
While UK officials say they do not accept the link between the electricity reforms and cohesion fund, the minister admitted the UK would enter into talks about additional contributions.
“We have not accepted that principle,” Falconer said. “I understand that that’s what the European Union have asked for, but the UK government hasn’t accepted. Again, this is something no doubt we will discuss,” Falconer said.
The synchronous grids of Europe. Source: Wikipedia