Scottish Government calls for closer links to Europe to reduce energy bills

The Scottish Government has called for closer co-operation with Europe to help to reduce energy bills and boost investment.

Ahead of UK government talks with the EU, a report has been published by the Scottish Government highlighting opportunities to more closely align with the EU on energy matters.

The opportunities include accelerating the adoption of more efficient UK-EU electricity trading arrangements to bring down energy costs for consumers and linking the UK and EU Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS) to help reduce costs and barriers to trade.

Estimates coming from the UK energy industry have predicted that unless the UK moves toward closer cooperation with the EU on energy and climate, it may lead to additional costs of up to £10billion in 2024-25, through higher energy bills and lower Treasury revenues.

Acting cabinet secretary for net zero and energy Gillian Martin said: “As we approach the fifth anniversary of Brexit, the costs to the people of Scotland are becoming ever clearer.

“The best future for Scotland is to be a member state of the EU. But we will always be a voice for closer co-operation with our fellow Europeans – in particular around issues which impact us all such as lowering energy bills and driving up investment in renewables.

“This paper highlights the key areas where working together is vital for achieving our shared ambitions - driving economic growth, reducing costs, strengthening energy security and substantially contributing to our shared climate goals.

“We have a pivotal role to play and stand ready to work collaboratively with the UK Government and wider partners to re-build a closer relationship with Europe in this space.”

Event Diary

Following a period of remarkable growth and momentum, Safety, Health and Wellbeing Live is making a powerful move—relocating its southern edition to the iconic London Olympia on 18–19 June 2025.

Housing 2025 is coming to Manchester Central on 24-26 June. Welcoming everyone in the housing and wider living sector under one roof, As the only place the whole UK housing sector comes together every year, it is where the sector will discuss and collaborate, identify solutions and speak with one voice to those framing the debate.

In January 2025, the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology announced a new ‘AI Opportunities Action Plan’ to encourage an increase in AI adoption across the UK. What will the Government’s plans for AI mean for local authority teams? How will emerging technologies affect environmental health services in the future?

Supplier Profiles

Words of World: Bridging language barriers with excellence

At Words of World, we specialise in professional translation and interpreting, d

Discover Harwich harbour like never before!

Experience and unforgettable 1 hour journey through maritime history and breathtaking landscapes.