In Brussels on Monday 25 September, the negotiators of the European Union and the United Kingdom started a new round of negotiations on the withdrawal of the UK from the EU.
This round is expected to bring forth concrete proposals, according to the EU's negotiator in chief, Michel Barnier. It is, however, likely that expectations will continue to differ, particularly as regards the financial arrangements.
Following Theresa May's speech in Florence on Friday 22 September, the EU negotiator on Monday reiterated the constructive spirit shown by the British prime minister. However, what counts now, with limited time available until 29 March 2019, is for the government to translate words into specific negotiating proposals.
Barnier also stressed that although it was not in his power to authorise the transition period of around two years called for by May (see EUROPE 11868), the United Kingdom would have to observe all European rules stemming from it as well as the application structures of these rules, for instance the Court of Justice of the EU.
Although the aim, during this transitional or implementation period, will be to maintain participation in the single market with customs union and the policies that go with it, it is clear that the whole of the European regulatory architecture will be kept in place over this period, without exception, Barnier said, adding that the EU must and will decide whether this period is in its interests. However, discussions on this transitional period do not obviate the need to make sufficient progress on other key points covered by the withdrawal agreement.
And on these three key points of citizens' rights, finances and Ireland, this new round of negotiations will have to be one of clarity, the negotiator in chief of the EU stressed.
For his part, David Davis, the British minister for Brexit, said that concrete proposals had been put forward in May's speech in Florence, and reiterated that the UK will honour all the commitments it has made since it joined the EU. Essentially, the member states will not have to pay more or receive less due to Brexit.
However, Davis repeated the vision of the British government, which is of concern to the Europeans, that no conclusion can be reached on this 'exit bill' until there is clarity on the future relationship between London and the EU.
Still not enough progress
Earlier in the afternoon, the European affairs ministers met Barnier to take stock of the state of progress in the negotiations, in the framework of a General Affairs Council of 27 (Article 50 format).
The Estonian Presidency of the Council stressed that although some progress had been noted, there are still clear differences over the withdrawal budgetary balance, the Irish question and respecting citizens' rights. In order to establish as close a partnership as possible in the future, we must first achieve sufficient results in the first round of negotiations, it considers.
During their discussions, the ministers stressed that the absence of an agreement on this first phase should not be over-dramatised at the European Council in October, one source said.
Before taking position on the very principle of the transition period, certain delegations are also keen to clarify what exactly this period will be used for.
Between now and the October European summit, only one round of negotiations is currently scheduled for the week commencing Monday 9 October. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)