Negotiations on the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union (Brexit) are stuck on the issue of “money”
Maria Demertzis, Deputy Director of Bruegel, one of the influential think tanks in Brussels, made a statement on the latest situation in the negotiations on the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union (EU) (Brexit), reminding that the 6th round of Brexit negotiations will be held in Brussels on November 9-10, and said that the talks gained momentum after British Prime Minister Theresa May’s speech in Florence.
Pointing out that there are political uncertainties in the UK and turmoil in May’s government, Demertzis said, “There are serious difficulties in the process. Despite this, I think it is important for both the UK and the EU to make progress in the negotiation process. For this reason, the first phase of negotiations should be passed as quickly as possible and trade agreement negotiations should begin.”
Stating that the parties are currently playing “diplomatic games” and that delaying the process does not benefit anyone, Demertzis reminded that the UK’s EU membership will end in March 2019.
Demertzis said, “Time is critical for such negotiations to succeed. It must be realized that there is not much time left to achieve a positive outcome.”
“IT IS NECESSARY TO FOCUS ALL EFFORTS ON REACHING AN AGREEMENT”
Maria Demertzis stated that 27 EU member states demanded the UK to clarify its financial commitments, while the UK is trying to reduce the bill in question, and said:
“I would like to see progress in the negotiations now. The discussion of a separation bill in the range of 20-100 billion euros continues. This figure is nothing compared to a Brexit without a trade deal, no matter what. We need to focus all efforts on getting a deal.”
Emphasizing that the figures in question should not be a very important issue compared to the size of the economies, Demertzis said, “It is not a good strategy to waste so much time on money issues. A post-separation trade agreement between the parties is of much greater economic importance.”
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