I am not optimistic about avoiding a no-deal scenario, but we should all continue to work with determination, the backstop is the maximum amount of flexibility that the EU can offer to a non-member state.

Michel Barnier

Categorized in : World

I think that the UK side, which is well informed and competent and knows the way we work on the EU side, knew from the very beginning that we've never been impressed by such a threat, it's not useful to use it.

The duration of an extension - it has got to be in line with the purpose of any such extension, any extension should serve a purpose. The length should be proportional to the objective. Our objective is an orderly withdrawal. 'No-deal' will never by the EU's decision. In order to avoid 'no-deal', the UK needs to agree to a deal.

The withdrawal agreement is not open for renegotiation, our expectations and our hope is that this dialogue will conclude with a positive result, which will allow us at last to have a positive majority emerge with regard to this withdrawal agreement.

Guy Verhofstadt has put forward constructive additions, now we wait for a credible response from the UK to ensure an orderly Brexit.

We know that there are misgivings in Britain that the backstop could keep Britain forever connected to the EU, this is not the case. And we are ready to give further guarantees, assurances and clarifications that the backstop should only be temporary.

Now we are waiting for the UK white paper and I hope it will contain workable and realistic proposals. But let me mention once again that the time is very short.

I see the temptation of a' blame game' by which the European Union is responsible for the negative consequences of Brexit, but that will not sway us. That will not sway me.

Let's be clear : Brexit is not and never will be in the interests of EU businesses, it would not be in those businesses' interests to abandon our autonomy of decisions.

There are always difficulties, and risks of a failure. by Michel Barnier

There are always difficulties, and risks of a failure.

In terms of what has been agreed so far, it's about 75 percent. by Michel Barnier

In terms of what has been agreed so far, it's about 75 percent.

I can't negotiate with myself. by Michel Barnier

I can't negotiate with myself.

Same significant divergences persist.

The likelihood of a deal is very much determined by our friends and partners in the EU -- there’s a deal there to be done if they want to do it. same significant divergences persist.

At this stage, an agreement between the UK and European Union seems unlikely, i simply do not understand why we are wasting valuable time. The clock is ticking.

We need to make progress on all issues in parallel. We need to find solutions for the most difficult topics. The UK cannot refuse to extend the transition and at the same time slow down discussions on important areas.

The UK has chosen to become a third country, the UK has chosen to create two regulatory spaces. This makes frictionless trade impossible. It makes checks indispensable.