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. Michel Barnier More Quotes by Michel Barnier More Quotes From Michel Barnier 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 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. Michel Barnier world 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. Michel Barnier top-news 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. Michel Barnier top-news Guy Verhofstadt has put forward constructive additions, now we wait for a credible response from the UK to ensure an orderly Brexit. Michel Barnier top-news 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. Michel Barnier world 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. Michel Barnier world 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. Michel Barnier world 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. Michel Barnier world There are always difficulties, and risks of a failure. Michel Barnier world In terms of what has been agreed so far, it's about 75 percent. Michel Barnier world I can't negotiate with myself. Michel Barnier world Same significant divergences persist. Michel Barnier 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. Michel Barnier 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. Michel Barnier 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. Michel Barnier
