Brexit: "real and concrete efforts" to be made in particular on fishing according to Michel Barnier
Post-Brexit negotiations between the EU and the United Kingdom are "at a moment of truth," European negotiator Michel Barnier warned on Friday (December 18th).
John Thys POOL / AFP
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
"There are only a few hours left to conclude."
This is what the European negotiator on Brexit, Michel Barnier, said to MEPs on December 18.
MEPs who have issued an ultimatum to the negotiators: they want an agreement before this Sunday at midnight to have time to ratify it before January 1.
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From our correspondent in Brussels
,
Joana Hostein
For Michel Barnier, an agreement with the United Kingdom is still possible, but it takes "
real and concrete efforts
", he said, especially on
fishing
.
The British want to regain control of their waters after a period of transition.
The Europeans demand compensation in return.
"
It would be neither fair nor acceptable for European fishermen to have in British waters only transitional rights which would one day evaporate, while all the rest of the agreement, in particular for British companies, remains" remainable " .
As I speak to you, I cannot tell you what the outcome of this final stretch will be
, ”laments Michel Barnier.
MEPs regretted this race against time.
Blame it on
Boris Johnson
who did not accept an extension of the transition period, said several elected officials.
The three main political groups in Parliament gave negotiators until Sunday evening to find an agreement, to have time to consider and ratify the compromise before January 1.
“
Despite everything, we must be realistic,
” insisted parliamentarians from all sides.
The European Parliament votes today on emergency measures to ensure the maintenance of air and road transport for six months with the United Kingdom, subject to reciprocity.
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Brexit
European Union
Agriculture and Fishing