Yesterday 17:28

Five EU countries call for an accelerated energy agreement with the United Kingdom ahead of the November 20 summit

Cristina Petrache

7 November 2026, 17:28

International

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Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium and Luxembourg are calling on the European Union to accelerate negotiations with the United Kingdom on an agreement for cooperation in the electricity market. The initiative aims to reduce costs, strengthen security of supply and boost investment in renewable energy sources.

In a letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa, the five governments are requesting a clear timetable for concluding the discussions. The signatories, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, believe that the EU–United Kingdom summit on November 20 should accelerate the process. The countries support concluding the agreement by the end of 2027.

A central objective is to integrate electricity markets and develop offshore wind power in the North Sea. A more interconnected market could reduce price fluctuations and facilitate investment. Energy UK estimates that keeping the United Kingdom outside the European market could generate additional costs of up to £10 billion during the current parliamentary term.

The main obstacle is Brussels’ demand that London contribute financially to European cohesion funds in exchange for access to the single market. Agreements on youth mobility, emissions certificates, and rules for agricultural and food products are also expected at the summit.

Context: The EU is separately preparing an “energy union” focused on interconnections, while discussions on energy prices are being pressured by geopolitical developments

Before the EU–United Kingdom summit on November 20, the European Commission announced that it would draw up a plan for a more integrated “Energy Union,” focused on networks, interconnections, and the European market’s joint purchasing power. President Ursula von der Leyen linked the initiative to high energy prices and dependence on imported fossil fuels, saying that a more connected market can limit exposure to fluctuations among external suppliers.

At the same time, EU leaders discussed measures to counter the rapid rise in energy prices, amid the war in Iran and its effects on the oil and gas markets. The options considered included expanding joint energy purchases and postponing certain rules on methane emissions, as well as extending state aid for affected industries.