The EU is ready to “improve the political statement on the future relationship with the UK within hours or a few days. But the 27 EU leaders need a timeline and a roadmap to address the Brexit delay requested by Prime Minister Theresa May to allow.
That is what EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier said after a meeting of the EU Ministers for European Affairs, who prepared the EU summit on Wednesday on the requested Brexit postponement by May. He emphasized that a disorderly departure of the British from the EU is “never the decision of the EU”. “We negotiated the withdrawal agreement for months.” He reiterated that it cannot be renegotiated.
The withdrawal agreement regulates all separation conditions, such as the costs for London, the rights of the citizens and an arrangement to ensure that there is no physical border between (British) Northern Ireland and (EU country) Ireland. The political declaration that accompanies the Brexit deal states what the future (trade) relationship between the EU and the United Kingdom could look like. This statement can be adjusted, and could offer an opening in the stalemate in the British parliament. So far, the Lower House has rejected May’s deal with Brussels.
May wants to postpone the Brexit until June 30. She is currently negotiating with Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn hoping to reach a majority to accept her deal with the EU. The deadline for the Brexit was initially March 29 but has already been postponed to April 12. The other 27 EU leaders must unanimously agree on a decision on May’s request.
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