The fourth round of (virtual) negotiations between the EU and UK ended in stalemate on June 5th, with EU negotiator Michel Barnier saying that London was backtracking’ on what was agreed in the Political Declaration.
The next round of talks is set to take place towards the end of June or early July, while a high-level conference is slated before the end of June. There was no substantial progress’ in the latest round of bilateral talks on the future relationship between the EU and UK earlier this month (June 2nd to 5th).
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Speaking with reporters, EU negotiator Michel Barnier said my responsibility is to tell you the truth.’ The UK had not shown any real willingness’ to move on fisheries,’ while we didn’t make any real progress’ on the level playing field, the French politician outlined.
And, on the last of what he identified as the areas in which movement was really needed, police and judicial co-operation, important questions’ remained: We are asking for nothing more than what is in the Political Declaration,’ the former Agriculture Minister (2007-2009) stressed.
There has been no substantial progress since the beginning of these negotiations,’ he said. We cannot continue like this forever, especially given the UK’s continued refusal to extend the transition period.’ The EU’s door remains open’ to a prolongation, he told reporters.
Without an extension, the UK would leave the Single Market and Customs Union in less than seven months. Given the time needed to ratify a deal, we would need a full legal text by October 31st at the latest, i.e. in less than five months,’ Barnier added. He reminded the listening press that the Political Agreement had been agreed by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and was available in all languages, including English. It is a good read, if I may say so,’ the 69-year-old quipped.
The former Internal Market Commissioner (2010-2014) complained that round after round, our British counterparts seek to distance themselves from this common basis.’ Johnson had signed up to the level playing field. He had agreed to high standards on State aid, competition, social and employment standards, environment, climate change, & relevant tax matters.
We are today very far from this objective,’ the veteran politician concluded.
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