While Foreign Affairs Minister Bert Koenders sees bright spots in the Brexit negotiations, EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier thinks it could take 'weeks or even months' before the talks move into the next phase, reports said. Business Insider.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bert Koenders sees bright spots in the difficult negotiations about the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union (EU). He is pleased that the British are adopting a constructive and positive tone, but adds that he still sees too little of this at the negotiating table.
Next phase could take months
The EU's chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, said on Thursday 28 September that "significant progress" has been made in the Brexit talks, but that it could take "weeks or even" months before the next phase can begin.
Big differences
Speaking at a press conference with UK Brexit negotiator David Davis, Barnier said Theresa May's speech has brought "a new dynamic" to the talks, but significant differences have remained on key points of contention.
Both sides are approaching each other over Britain's financial obligations and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice, Barnier said. But there remains a 'huge gap' over family reunification for EU citizens living in Britain. "We've had constructive discussions and we've made progress in areas. But we haven't made enough progress yet," said Barnier. He then spoke of the 'weeks or even months' it could take before the first phase of the negotiations is completed.
Relationship with EU
Barnier also said the European Union "does not want to make a connection" between the divorce agreements and the British's future relationship with the EU. Britain has insisted that the terms of Brexit cannot be negotiated without taking into account the future relationship between the UK and the EU, including trade ties.
Davis was more optimistic than during previous press conferences. He stated that "we are taking decisive steps forward." The Brexit minister accepts there are "differences of opinion" but said progress has been made in talks, especially on the Irish border. "We have made significant progress and capitalized on the momentum the Prime Minister has created with her speech," Davis said.
Leaving Brussels optimistically
Barnier said both negotiating teams will move forward in a constructive atmosphere until we reach an agreement and Davis said it is in our best interest for these negotiations to succeed. Davis stated that Britain feels a real and lasting commitment to our European allies and friends and that he is leaving Brussels optimistic about the future.
Pro-European Labor MP Heidi Alexander did not react enthusiastically to statements by Barnier and Davis: "Not only has not enough progress been made, but the Prime Minister also seems unable to make enough progress in negotiations with her own ministers." Since her speech in Florence, Theresa May has been contradicted several times by her own cabinet members.
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