The EU27 Ministers for European Affairs had a “quick” briefing on EU-UK relations, commented the French Secretary of State for European Affairs, Clément Beaune, on Tuesday 25 January.
The debate recalled several “simple principles”: “unity” among Europeans, “transparency” in discussions with London and “cooperation and fairness” by those implementing the agreements.
The ministers heard from Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, who had met with the UK Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, the day before.
This debate, even if it was a quick one, was a reminder of the priorities of the Europeans and a review of the outstanding issues, such as fishing licences, citizens’ rights, Gibraltar and the Northern Ireland protocol, added the French Secretary of State.
On the Protocol, Mr Beaune repeated the position of the EU27, which is “ready for flexibility”, but in strict compliance with the “ agreed legal framework”. On fisheries, which is a European issue linked to the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and not exclusively Franco-British, the Frenchman also stressed that Paris was not yet “100% satisfied” and would continue to seek a solution for the missing licences.
Clément Beaune reiterated on this occasion that the option of taking legal action for these missing licences remains on the table. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)