Five EU countries demand UK pays for electricity market access

Five EU countries are urging Britain to contribute to the bloc's Regional Development Fund in return for access to the EU's internal electricity markets. In a letter to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, the leaders of Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Luxembourg and the Netherlands said a financial contribution should be part of any deal. The issue is expected to feature at the EU-UK summit on November 20. A draft joint statement suggests EU leaders broadly support the idea, although the text could still change. Britain says no contribution has been agreed at this stage. Energy Minister Martin Mączkowski said any payment would have to offer value for money. Norway offers one possible model, contributing around 391 million euros a year to grants supporting less prosperous European regions. The five countries say closer electricity ties would improve energy security, make cross-border trading easier, and give businesses more certainty. They also point to plans for up to 100 gigawatts of joint North Sea projects within a wider ambition for 300 gigawatts of offshore wind power.