UK at risk of losing climate research centre contract over Brexit row with European Union

While UK and European Union are struggling to reach a post-Brexit agreement as  11-month transition period is about to end, Britain is at risk of losing contract for expansion of a European flagship wear research centre in Reing following its exit from 27-nation-bloc.

As per Guardian reports, European Centre for Medium Range Wear Forecasts (ECMWF), which has been based in Berkshire for more than four deces, faces uncertainty regarding its EU-funded activities planned for future. This includes a new facility in Reing, which reportedly offers 250 jobs, with at least nine or nations competing for business such as France, Germany, Spain, Ireland and Italy.

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An official briefing te from one member state reportedly said that as repercussion of UK leaving bloc, re has been a competition to relocate all of ECMWF’s EU-funded activities from Reing in UK to state that is member of union in 2020.

Moreover, ECMWF is also continent's main body for climate research and is supported by 34 countries including 22 EU-member states. Apart from wear forecasts, it is responsible for operating several EU-funded programmes such as two for union’s Copernicus satellite Earth-observation programme, monitoring atmosphere and climate crisis. Even though UK has been reportedly er to see new facility that would have a staff of 25, it remains unclear if nation will qualify for same.

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EU sceptical of post-Brexit deal

Meanwhile, EU has sought to dismiss optimism over a potential post-Brexit deal between both sides. This comes amid emerging fears of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson failing to secure required support of key visers and his party for compromises needed in final round of negotiations.

While British government is yet to offer a way forward on some of most controversial issues, according to an earlier media report, senior EU officials expressed scepticism over reports of UK seeing a way to secure an agreement.

EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier earlier this week h reportedly told 27 member states that re was a “more open atmosphere” at negotiating table. However, as per reports Barnier has stressed on ‘substantial differences of opinion’ that are still present on issue of state aid to businesses. 

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