Barnier Interview: A reality check ? If only the Uk would listen, instead of blustering
https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/they-have-to-face-the-consequences-of-their-own-decision-michel-barnier-speaks-exclusively-on-the-uks-brexit-position
What about his determination to impose the sequencing of the negotiations rather than discussing immediately about trade agreements as the British government had hoped?
“The British had the idea they could mingle everything: the price for past commitments, the financial issue and the future.
…
first we settle the past, like in any separation, then we start talking about the future.
So parallel talks will start probably next March.
The actual negotiations on the future relationship will only begin once the UK leaves the EU.”
Insofar as Barnier is concerned, Downing Street decided on its own deadline by invoking Article 50 in March,
a move which set a two-year clock ticking down,
and drew its own red lines
He makes no qualms about the complexity of the forthcoming process—or what the British still need to grasp about it.
“The most difficult part remains to be done. It is also probably the most interesting.
But the British have to understand it cannot be business as usual.
We are ready to start working with the government on the three axes it has indicated:
exit from the Union,
exit from the single market,
exit from the customs union.
But the clock is ticking.
The deadline of March 29, 2019 is their own doing”.
…
he moves determinedly to dash the hopes of many in Britain, including Theresa May, for a bespoke deal for the UK,
something different from the relationship that the EU has with any other countries
“They have to realise there won’t be any cherry picking.
We won’t mix up the various scenarios to create a specific one and accommodate their wishes, mixing, for instance,
the advantages of the Norwegian model, member of the single market,
with the simple requirements of the Canadian one.
No way.
They have to face the consequences of their own decision.”
What about the transition period, supposed to smooth the cliff edge?
“There is no mandate to discuss the transition period yet, but it will be short and duly framed.
Prime Minister May has stated it should take two years—it cannot last longer for legal reasons"
…
“Any change in the nature or the goals of this negotiation can only be decided by the 27 EU members + 1
The 27 know it is in their interest to remain closely united as they have clearly been in the first phase.
And they will remain so.”
The political scene in London being in constant turmoil, to say the least, how might this impact the process?
“My attitude has been from the very start to listen, to watch and to follow the British political debate, which is quite stimulating.
But I don’t make any comment.
I don’t want to pass judgment on the British negotiators. It is not my role.”