According to Bloomberg News on July 3rd, as both sides attempt to reshape Britain's relations after Brexit, Britain is seeking to participate in some important EU meetings and express its opinions at those meetings. This move has sparked dissatisfaction on the European continent.
Sources familiar with the matter reveal that the UK wishes to join those committees responsible for improving regulations related to agricultural and food standards. It also intends to participate in decision-making processes related to the EU's carbon markets and electricity markets. These are areas where the British government is trying to maintain consistency with the rules of the European continent.
However, sources familiar with the matter said that this proposal has caused friction between the UK and the EU. The European Commission emphasized at a meeting with member states that, under the current arrangements, the UK has no right to participate in such matters. Several anonymous sources said in private conversations that the UK should not be allowed to participate in the EU’s decision-making process. In addition, several other countries also oppose allowing the UK to participate in EU decision-making.
However, the committee will consider allowing British officials to participate in certain expert-level meetings and contribute. This is an arrangement that the EU also offers to other close economic partners. Some European countries are open to this idea.
According to American media, this controversy highlights the difficulties faced by those who wish to re-establish connections with the EU, ten years after the UK voted to leave the EU. Even though the Labour government tends to support the EU more, efforts are still being made to reach final agreements on issues such as defense procurement and overseas study programs.
