The EU and the UK run the risk of hitting a “crisis point” if no progress is made in negotiations on their future relationship.
This was the warning issued on 5 May by Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney on RTE radio, as quoted by Reuters. He had consulted with the EU’s chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, the day before. During that meeting, both men notably called for progress to be made not only on fisheries but also on level-playing-field provisions.
Even though both sides are due to resume negotiations starting on 11 May, Michel Barnier also provided, on 5 May, national EU ambassadors from the EU27 (Coreper) with information on the last round of talks held between 20 and 24 April (see EUROPE 12474/11).
During this exchange with the ambassadors, the negotiator’s approach of continuing to calmly negotiate in a united manner among Member States was confirmed. According to one source, the negotiator explained the situation at length after the latest round of negotiations, which he did not find satisfactory. He insisted on the necessity of getting the British government to negotiate on all aspects of the relationship and not just the issues that interest it.
For its part, London began talks with Washington on 5 May in readiness for a free trade agreement. This round of negotiations is expected to last two weeks. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)