On Tuesday 16 June, at the General Affairs Council videoconference meeting, the EU ministers for European Affairs confirmed the strategy and negotiating mandate of the EU negotiator on the future relationship with the United Kingdom, Michel Barnier.
Barnier briefed them on the latest rounds of negotiations and the high-level meeting on 15 June, which enabled both sides to commit to renewed momentum for the talks.
Maroš Šefčovič, the Vice-President responsible for inter-institutional relations, told ministers about the Joint Committee meeting on 12 June, during which the UK government confirmed that it rejected any extension of the transition period. The GAC meeting was an opportunity for the UE27 to re-state their “confidence” in the EU negotiator and to emphasise the principles that the EU will not compromise in its future agreement, i.e. fisheries and the level playing field. Defence will also be a prominent issue, one source said.
“Time is of the essence. And so is unity. This has to remain the watchword as we move forward and plan to accelerate implementation of the withdrawal agreement and intensify discussions on our future relationship”, said the Vice-President on Twitter. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)