European Council President Donald Tusk, speaking in an exchange with MEPs in the plenary session of Tuesday 16 January on the last European Council on 14 and 15 December (see EUROPE 11926), did not rule out the possibility that the people of the United Kingdom might change their minds on the future relationship of their country with the European Union.
He first of all spoke of the progress that has been made in the negotiations between European Union leaders and the government of Theresa May, with the two parties striking a deal on 8 December on the first phase of talks that dealt with citizens’ rights, Ireland and the settlement bill (see EUROPE 11922).
He made the point, nonetheless, that, despite the “constructive effort” by May, future relations with the United Kingdom needed “more clarity” and he emphasised that the “hardest work” remained to be done.
While pointing out that the UK’s departure from the EU would become reality in March 2019 if the British people hold to their current position, he added that he was not excluding the possibility of “a change of heart”. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said that the door remained open, adding that he would like that message to be heard in London.
Guy Verhofstadt (ALDE, Belgium) commented ironically on the position of Nigel Farage (EFDD, UK), a leading light among Brexiteers, who on Thursday 11 January, a few days after his meeting with EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier (see EUROPE 11933), said that he was warming to the idea of a second referendum. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)