EU summit: Spain threatens to veto Brexit agreement

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EU summit Spain threatens to veto Brexit deal

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Brexit: The British are making it difficult for the Europeans

Prior to the Brexit summit on Sunday, the fronts between Spain and the UK remain hardened due to the dispute over the British Overseas Territory Gibraltar. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez wrote on Twitter late on Thursday: "After my conversation with (British Prime Minister) Theresa May, our positions continue to diverge and my government will always defend Spain's interests Brexit veto. "

The Madrid government had requested changes to the draft treaty on Britain's 2019 exit from the EU for fear of fixing the future status of Gibraltar.

The area at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula has been under British sovereignty since 1713, but is claimed by Spain. However, other Member States, including Germany, are keen to avoid renegotiation so as not to put further issues into question. This could endanger adoption at the EU Special Summit on Sunday

Many warm words for Theresa May

Shortly before the Special Summit, EU and UK negotiators agreed on a statement on future relations. The EU is trying to accommodate the domestic political pressure of Prime Minister Theresa May. But in the end it remains a political declaration of intent with beautiful words that does not bind any of the pages. An overview:

TRADE RELATIONS

The aim is to "create a free trade area" for goods without duties, duties or quantitative restrictions. It is said that trade relations should be "as close as possible". However, it should also be ensured that future agreements do not give companies a competitive edge at the expense of companies on the other side. It expressly states that the outcome of the Brexit referendum of 2016 will be respected in view of the development of Britain's "independent trade policy". Because the freedom to conclude their own trade agreements is a central demand of the British Brexit hardliners, which make life difficult for May.

CUSTOMS CONTROL

The extent of customs border controls depends on the declaration of London commitments to the EU. But both sides want to be "as ambitious as possible" to keep them as low as possible, and also want to use the available technology. The "smooth trade" without checks, demanded by Prime Minister Theresa May in her "Checkers" plan in the summer, could not be achieved, says an EU diplomat. For even in a free trade zone must be controlled at the borders, whether delivered goods meet EU standards or give it smuggling.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

The financial industry is an important economic factor for Great Britain. However, in the case of financial services, the UK passport to Brexit is the so-called EU passport, which grants free access to the rest of Europe. In the future, both sides want to ensure this through equivalence agreements (equivalence agreements). In doing so, it would be recognized that the same level of standards and supervision exist in the other markets.

TO TRAVEL

The Declaration states that the EU respects Britain's desire for an end to the freedom of travel and establishment for its citizens - again an important point for Brexit advocates. Instead, there should be "mobility agreements". The goal is "visa-free travel for short-term visits" up to 90 days. It should give as much as possible relief in person checks at the borders.

FOREIGN POLICY AND DEFENSE

In the area of ​​foreign policy, close cooperation is foreseen, including within the framework of international organizations such as the UN and the imposition of sanctions. The UK is promised to continue "as much as possible" in EU defense and defense projects, including those funded by the new multi-billion dollar European Defense Fund

FISHING

In the statement, the EU has not made any commitment that its fishermen may continue to fish in British waters. This is particularly noticeable in countries such as France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal. An EU diplomat, however, said that the text would not be changed here until the summit. The problem should be solved later.

FURTHER AGREEMENTS

Britain and the EU want to conclude further agreements on law enforcement and justice, as well as on air, road, rail and shipping. Also in the supply of electricity and gas as well as in the field of nuclear power there should be agreements. In the fight against climate change, consideration is being given to linking trading systems for CO2 emission allowances.

SCHEDULE

Even before Brexit at the end of March 2019, "preparatory organizational work" should begin. The negotiations should begin immediately after the EU withdrawal. The goal is to conclude the transition phase, when Britain will remain in the EU single market and customs union. This will run until the end of 2020, but can be extended by up to two years if necessary until the end of 2022 .

After the British exit from the EU in March 2019, virtually everything could remain between the European Union and the United Kingdom until the end of 2022 as usual. The negotiators on both sides agreed on an option to extend the transitional period initially scheduled for the end of 2020 by "up to one or two years".

The transitional phase is designed to negotiate peacefully and to regulate the future relations of the European Union and the United Kingdom after Brexit. During this time, almost nothing changes for citizens and businesses. However, the United Kingdom officially becomes a "third country" with the withdrawal. The country must continue to comply with EU rules and transfer contributions to Brussels, but no longer has a say in EU committees.

The deadline for the one-off extension was initially left open at the basic settlement last week. Whether the option is drawn is to be decided in mid-2020, depending on the progress of negotiations until then.

The entire Brexit contract package will be officially approved by the Heads of State and Government on Sunday at an EU special summit in Brussels. After that, ratification is pending. There is currently no majority in the British Parliament.

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