Brussels is advising EU member states not to allow the UK deeper access to the bloc’s electricity markets, despite industry warnings of higher energy bills for consumers and a slower transition to net zero.
In a document setting out policy positions on the upcoming “reset” of EU-UK relations, the European Commission said that its “no cherry-picking” principle towards the UK should apply equally to electricity trading.
“The UK’s decision not to rejoin the single market limits the possibilities for other options to be considered, sectoral participation in the EU energy market would not be in the union’s interest and would be contrary to the European Council guidelines,” said the document, which was circulated to EU member states.