The European Union's negotiator for future relations with the United Kingdom, Michel Barnier, offered assurances on Wednesday 10 June that the EU was "open to compromise", particularly on the issue of fair competition rules ('level playing field'). To do so, London will have to respect the joint political declaration signed last October.
The negotiator, who was speaking to the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), also hoped that the high-level meeting scheduled for June between the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, and the Presidents of the European Commission, Ursula Von der Leyen, and the European Council, Charles Michel, would give "new impetus" to the talks.
Mr Barnier had already spoken in the morning, both to the European College of Commissioners and to the Ambassadors of the EU27 to the EU (Coreper), whom he briefed on the latest round of negotiations (see EUROPE 12500/6).
Speaking to the EESC, he noted the deadlocks and the fact that the United Kingdom still refused to engage "seriously with us in four areas: fair and equitable competition, fisheries, criminal and police coordination and governance".
Without being overly pessimistic, the chief negotiator hoped that new rounds of talks, this time physical, would make it possible, from the end of June, to find compromises, even if "time is short". But, he observed, the differences are less a "problem of method" than a "problem of substance" and require the UK to "change its approach" for agreement to be reached.
Michel Barnier then stated that the EU remains "open" to an extension of the post-Brexit transition period, although Boris Johnson continues to close the door to this option.
As regards the method, in any case, the negotiator wishes to continue with the system of rounds and more restricted meetings with his British counterpart, David Frost, to make progress on the most sensitive points. In the meantime, Michel Barnier will continue to "report back" on the discussions to the Member States, the Commission and the European Parliament.
Britain is on the other hand looking to set up a tunnel method of negotiations this summer.
Michel Barnier at the General Affairs Council
On Wednesday morning, before Coreper, Michel Barnier reported the same assessment, pointing out, among other things, what he perceives to be a retreat from London in relation to the commitments of the political declaration.
Member States have supported the approach of proceeding by periodic rounds of negotiations. In their view, there is still time to reach an agreement and they must not give in to the time pressure imposed by London.
On 16 June, the EU negotiator is expected to attend the General Affairs Council meeting to take stock of these negotiations and the implementation of the withdrawal agreement intended to enable an orderly Brexit.
On Friday 12 June, a new meeting of the EU/UK Joint Committee will be held, this time devoted to respect for the rights of European and British citizens. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)