Brussels and London negotiate Brexit
Photo: ANP
The European Union and the United Kingdom are continuing their Brexit negotiations, EU Commissioner Maroš efčovič and British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said in a statement after talks in Brussels. “The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere.” It was the first time Truss spoke to Šefčovič in Brussels over her guardian David Frost’s resignation in December. Earlier this month, Šefčovič traveled to England for a two-day introduction to Truss.
Brussels have “a goal to continue the talks”, say the top negotiators. Officials from both sides will continue working this week on a solution for Northern Ireland, where trade is said to be subject to the Brexit deals, according to the British. “The situation in Northern Ireland is very difficult,” Truss told reporters. “It is necessary in the short term to find a solution for Northern Ireland.” At the end of next week, efčovič Truss will discuss the state of affairs.
After the first conversation, the two started to discuss the situation in Northern Ireland more intensively. “If the political will, our discussions could lead to a tentative agreement on sustainable solutions that provide immediate and significant aid,” it said. He said he would act with a “sense of urgency” but not set “artificial deadlines”. Last week, he said he wanted to reach an agreement by the end of February.
After the UK’s departure from the EU, Brussels and London agreed that (British) Northern Ireland will remain part of the EU’s internal market. However, according to the British, the agreements are unworkable, now that customs controls are required on goods going from Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) to Northern Ireland.
An agreement has been signed with the last time expressing a mutual mutual desire.”