Next week, EU leaders will ask the Commission to draft a mandate for future EU-UK trade talks. Just one small problem: it’s not entirely clear if and when British MPs will ratify the divorce treaty itself.
According to draft conclusions for next week’s summit, seen by EUROPE, EU leaders will ask the UK for “timely ratification and effective implementation” of the withdrawal agreement.
But everything hinges on the outcome of the 12 December general election. If, as polls are predicting, the Conservatives win a majority, prime minister Boris Johnson has promised to hold a vote before Christmas.
Mr Johnson continues to face trenchant opposition to the deal from the Democratic Unionist Party (though the government is no longer beholden to their vote), the Liberal Democrats, some Labour MPs and others.
The EU is seeking a relationship that is “as close as possible” and “based on a balance of rights and obligations”. As expected, there is a reference in there to ensuring a level playing field. The phase two negotiations will be structured largely the same way as they were in phase one, with the Commission leading the talks, the Council feeding back (via its working group) and MEPs kept in the loop.
It’s the first summit for newly installed European Council president Charles Michel. And he will be hosting the meeting just as the British electorate goes to the polls. It’s still unclear whether Prime minister Boris Johnson will attend next week’s summit, although it looks very unlikely. It should be an interesting night. (Sarah Collins)