"The EU 27 will not reopen the British withdrawal agreement" from the European Union and they "cannot accept a time limit" to the Irish border backstop or a "unilateral exit clause" from this insurance policy, European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said on Tuesday 19 February, on the eve of a new meeting between Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and British Prime Minister Mrs Theresa May.
This position was transmitted in person by the EU's chief negotiator on Brexit, Michel Barnier, to his British counterpart, Stephen Barclay, who was accompanied by the British Prosecutor General, Geoffrey Cox, the day before.
Mr Barnier and the College of Commissioners will take stock on Wednesday of the negotiations leading to Brexit and the ongoing preparations at EU and Member State level in the event of a disorderly British withdrawal on 30 March.
"Further talks will be held this week to see whether a way through can be found that would gain the broadest possible support in the UK parliament and respect the guidelines agreed by the EU Council", Mr Schinas added.
Despite the strong position of the Twenty-Seven, the British Government is seeking to establish a backstop to prevent the return of a physical border between Ireland and Northern Ireland in order to make it less restrictive. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)