• Tweeter
  • republish

Charles Michel: "We are ready. We have defined our priorities. RFI / Dominique Baillard

This Friday, December 13, the Europeans said they were " ready " to negotiate the future relationship with the United Kingdom, after the great victory of Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the legislative elections that paves the way for a Brexit on January 31.

" We are ready. We have defined our priorities, "said European Council President Charles Michel on the second day of a European summit in Brussels. The Belgian hopes for " swift ratification by the UK Parliament " of the exit agreement negotiated between London and the EU, " so that we can start peacefully, quietly, but with great determination, the negotiation on the next phase ".

Level of play

Europeans will pay particular attention to " the integrity of the internal market " and that the future relationship will ensure a level playing field between the two parties. The 27 European leaders are to task the Brexit European Commission negotiator, Michel Barnier, to negotiate this close trade relationship with the UK.

According to the latest version of their findings, seen by AFP, they will reaffirm their support for an " orderly withdrawal " from the United Kingdom " on the basis of the agreement " signed by Boris Johnson at the previous summit in October. They look forward to a " future as close as possible to the United Kingdom " while underlining that it should be " based on a balance of rights and obligations and ensuring a level playing field " in competition matters.

What transition period?

The UK withdrawal treaty provides for a transitional period until 31 December 2020, during which the British will continue to apply and benefit from European rules. Most experts doubt that this delay is sufficient to negotiate the future relationship.

( with AFP )

Legislative in the UK: after the Conservatives' victory, Brexit?