Post-Brexit: negotiations begin between London and Brussels

Prime Minister Boris Johnson does not want to "sell off the sovereignty" of the United Kingdom. DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

Post-Brexit negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union begin this Monday, March 2. On the program, discussions on the future relationship between the two newly divorced parties. But disagreements have already surfaced.

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It is out of the question for the United Kingdom to " sell off its sovereignty ". This is what the government of Boris Johnson announced last week. On the European side, French Secretary of State for European Affairs Amélie de Montchalin said this Sunday during an interview on the BBC that the time for emotion is over.

" We are entering a new phase of Brexit, " said the French minister. There was a lot of drama, passion and emotions, but now it is a question of negotiating for "real people", for businesses, for farmers or fishermen. "

Two diametrically opposed discourses

Brussels says it wants to privilege the rational aspect of the negotiations, while London shows its teeth and does not want to give up anything. The discussions, which begin this Monday in Brussels, will alternate with London in the first phase which runs until mid-May, reports our correspondent, Elodie Goulesque .

Among the 11 negotiation themes, fishing , a very tense subject on both sides of the Channel. Boris Johnson wants to negotiate a separate agreement, reviewed on an annual basis, regarding access to its territorial waters. Out of the question, answers the European Union.

On the environment or labor rights, the United Kingdom undertakes to put in place strong laws, but refuses to comply with current European standards. With a rhythm of discussions every two or three weeks, London and Brussels therefore have a few months to agree, before a mid-term review planned for June.

► To listen: After Brexit, did Europe hear the warning?

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  • Brexit
  • UK
  • European Union
  • Boris Johnson

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