Monday, November 19, 2018

Barnier doesn't confirm transition deal end point

European Union's chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier is still not announcing how long a transitional period can be extended until.

It's being touted as December 2022 and is the final part of the withdrawal deal with the UK but it's not being confirmed by the EU.

Members of Parliament in the UK are unhappy with the withdrawal deal as it outlines a so called backstop which is a safety net agreement for if the EU and the UK can't come to an agreement on a future relationship.

The backstop essentially keeps the UK in a deal which means that it's aligned with the same customs structures as the EU.

Brussels is currently drawing up a political declaration to launch the negotiations on the UK and the EU's relationship after the transition period ends.

It's all set to be agreed by EU leaders in Brussels on Sunday but could be voted down by the British parliament.

Michel Barnier, the EU's chief Brexit negotator has indicated there is no room to renegotiate the deal on the table.

IN: "Globally speaking..."
OUT:  "...ambitioius partnership."
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