UK seeks greater role in EU meetings as post-Brexit reset faces resistance

The United Kingdom is seeking to participate in some European Union meetings as London and Brussels attempt to rebuild relations following Brexit, but the proposal has met resistance from the European Commission and several EU member states.

According to people familiar with the negotiations speaking to Bloomberg, the UK wants to join committees that help shape regulations on agriculture, food standards, carbon markets and electricity markets. The British government is pursuing closer regulatory alignment with the EU in these sectors to facilitate trade and reduce barriers between the two sides.

"We are rebuilding our relationship with the EU to boost trade, cut red tape, and create more opportunities for young people," a British official said, describing the government's approach to improving ties with the bloc.

However, London's request to participate in EU decision-making bodies has become a point of contention. Sources familiar with the closed-door discussions said the European Commission has taken a firm position, arguing that the current post-Brexit agreements do not give the UK the right to take part in such meetings. Several EU member states have also opposed granting Britain a role in the bloc's regulatory decision-making process.

According to Bloomberg, the European Commission is nevertheless open to allowing British experts to contribute to technical discussions, an arrangement similar to mechanisms already used with non-EU partners such as Switzerland.

Despite both sides expressing interest in strengthening cooperation, negotiations on resetting the relationship have encountered several obstacles. In addition to disagreements over regulatory participation, Brussels is pressing the UK to expand opportunities for youth mobility programmes and has objected to London's proposal to charge young EU citizens fees to access Britain's healthcare system.

Britain has also been unsuccessful in its efforts to join the European Union's flagship defence fund, highlighting the broader challenges facing post-Brexit cooperation.

Political developments in the United Kingdom have further complicated the talks. Following the recent resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, several key negotiations have been delayed. Sources said the planned EU-UK summit, originally scheduled for July, is now expected to be postponed until the autumn.

The UK voted to leave the European Union in a referendum held on June 23, 2016, with 51.9% of voters supporting Brexit. The country formally withdrew from the bloc on January 31, 2020, ending 47 years of EU membership.

By Sabina Mammadli