The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, both reiterated on Friday 19 June that the European Union was strongly committed to finding an agreement on the future relationship with the United Kingdom, “but not at any price”.
The two leaders informed the EU27 of their meeting on 15 June with the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson (see EUROPE 12506/6). Following the adoption by the European Parliament of its position on the current negotiations (see EUROPE 12509/5), they recalled the four main points of divergence currently being tabled with the United Kingdom: a level playing field, fisheries, governance of the agreement, and judicial and police cooperation.
The protocol on Northern Ireland, which is due to become operational in January 2021 after the post-Brexit transition period, “is essential”, insisted Charles Michel. After London's refusal to extend the transition period, the EU agreed to “intensify negotiations”, it said.
Mrs von der Leyen is of the opinion that “nobody can say where these negotiations will be at the end of the year”. Nevertheless, the EU will have “done everything possible to ensure that a good agreement” is reached, she said.
In the morning, the French Secretary of State for European Affairs, Amélie de Montchalin, believed that at this stage it could not be ruled out that the negotiations over future relations would fail.
The President of the European Parliament, David Sassoli, also shared this fear with the EU27. Providing assurance, he said: “We have a responsibility to prepare for the ‘no deal’” and if there is no agreement, “the EU will be ready”. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)