Michel Barnier, chief negotiator on behalf of the European Union, blames the British for a lack of flexibility in the negotiation of a trade agreement. This is what Barnier says in his report of the last round of negotiations with the United Kingdom, published on Thursday.
According to Barnier, the British are refusing to make firm commitments about the continuation of fair trade. In addition, according to the French, the British commitments in the field of European standards for a different climate, environment and labor fall short.
Also, not enough progress has been made in terms of legal cooperation, enforcement, fisheries and fair competition in transport and energy, he writes.
Barnier concludes by stating that while the negotiators of both sides will remain in touch, the EU will at the same time intensify preparatory work on “all scenarios by 1 January 2021”.
According to David Frost, Barnier’s British counterpart, the last round of negotiations has been worthwhile, although he admits that there are still some challenges ahead. In some areas, the parties are still far apart, says Frost.
The UK negotiator nevertheless says he will continue to aim for an agreement in October. Talks will continue next week in Brussels.
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