For the moment, the positions seem irreconcilable. Negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union (EU) on their future relationship have not started, yet each of the two parties remains in a position which we know is inadmissible for the other. And in London as in Brussels, one invokes motivations of an almost existential order – which ultimately mirror each other – to justify themselves.
While it took more than three and a half years for the United Kingdom to finally leave the European institutions, Friday January 31 at midnight (continental time), Boris Johnson especially does not want the rest of the story to prove right those who predict that Brexit will end in "Brino" ("Brexit in Name Only" – "Brexit who only has the name"). There is therefore no question, for Downing Street, that the current period of transition – during which London continues to apply Community rules, while no longer in the decision-making bodies of Europe – goes on for too long. beyond December 31, 2020. Nor that thereafter, the relationship that London and Brussels have drawn will perpetuate this situation.
Europeans, in a way, have the same concern: to show that Brexit will be a game-changer for the UK, and not in a way that would make others want to leave the ship. As the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said on Friday October 31 before the European Parliament, "Belonging to the EU is something that matters" and which brings advantages which London should no longer be able to claim. The agreement that will be negotiated must not suggest that "Frexit (a departure from France) will not be a problem ", develops Pascal Canfin, elected (Renew) to the European Parliament.
Not to spare the British
In this context, the negotiating mandate that the Commission is about to entrust to Michel Barnier – it will present it on Monday 3 February, before having it endorsed by the member states on 25 February – does not seek to spare the British. "Certain sentences should surprise them", has fun with someone close to the case.
It is therefore a global agreement that the Europeans want to negotiate, which includes trade as well as transport, security, research, higher energy education and even fisheries.
"We are not going to restrict ourselves because Boris Johnson wants an agreement before December 31, 2020. This is his problem", launched a diplomat. No question, therefore, of establishing a list of priorities to be dealt with before the end of the year. This would be the best way to divide the Twenty-Seven, whose interests are not always aligned, and to weaken the EU in this more than complex negotiation.
