The Times called the condition of Britain's access to the EU internal market

The European Union (EU) has notified British Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the need for annual payments to maintain access to the union's internal market. This was reported on May 4 by The Times newspaper.

"Brussels expects Keir Starmer to agree to these terms at the upcoming summer summit with EU leaders," the publication says.

According to the newspaper, European negotiators insist that London contribute about £1 billion (about €1.15 billion) annually to EU budgets as a condition for further economic cooperation and access to the single market.

It is noted that after that, the parties can move on to discussing deeper economic integration.

As the newspaper reminds, in May 2025, the UK and the EU reached agreements aimed at strengthening partnership after the country's withdrawal from the union. In particular, measures in the field of phytosanitary standards and access to fishing zones were agreed.

At the same time, the British authorities had previously stressed that a return to the customs union with the EU was not being considered.

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Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and special presidential envoy for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries, said on April 30 that Starmer's management mistakes in the energy sector led to a situation where residents of the kingdom are forced to face empty shelves in stores amid the energy crisis. He noted that the next energy shock in the UK is expected in two weeks.